Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, President of the Committee for the Protection of the Environment and Water Resources of the Hellenic Parliament and Greek Prime Minister’s Envoy for the Ocean, participated and delivered a speech at the presentation event of the international educational program “Blue Frontiers”, held at ACS Athens.

The event marked the launch of an important collaboration between ACS Athens, the International Propeller Club Port of Piraeus, Roger Williams University, and the Marine Protection Institute “Archipelagos”, aiming to promote education, research, and youth awareness on oceans, sustainable shipping, the blue economy, and marine environmental protection.

“Blue Frontiers” is an innovative international educational initiative that combines experiential scientific learning with international academic experiences in marine research, sustainable development, and ocean protection, fostering the knowledge, values, and global awareness required for a sustainable future.

In her speech, Dr. Avgerinopoulou congratulated the organizers for the initiative, stressing that education and active youth engagement are essential for the protection of the global ocean and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with special reference to Goal 14 on Life Below Water.

As she noted, “the ocean is life itself,” reminding that it covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, absorbs a significant share of carbon dioxide emissions, and produces around 50% of the oxygen we breathe. She also underlined the vital importance of the blue economy for global development, shipping, employment, and sustainable prosperity, especially for a country with a strong maritime tradition such as Greece.

Dr. Avgerinopoulou also referred to the unprecedented pressures currently facing oceans and seas, including the climate crisis, rising water temperatures, ocean acidification, biodiversity loss, marine pollution—especially plastics—overfishing, and the degradation of coastal ecosystems.

Addressing students and young participants, she called on them to take an active role as “young ocean leaders”, investing in knowledge, innovation, and blue economy entrepreneurship. She emphasized that the new generation is called to become “stewards of the seas”, contributing to the restoration of ocean health and ensuring a sustainable future for the planet.

During the event, a symbolic signing of a cooperation agreement took place among the four participating organizations, confirming their commitment to developing joint educational and research initiatives that empower youth and strengthen environmental awareness and international cooperation.