Gia Destouni Awarded Baltic Sea Hero for Research on Eutrophication

Professor Georgia (Gia) Destouni, a member of the Digital Futures Faculty, has been honoured with the prestigious Baltic Sea Award for her groundbreaking contributions to addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the Baltic Sea: eutrophication.

Destouni’s research on waterborne nutrient flows from land to sea has led to significant scientific advancements for practical solutions to combat the nutrient pollution that fuels this phenomenon.

Eutrophication, the excessive enrichment of waters with nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, leads to harmful algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and degradation of marine ecosystems. Destouni’s research stands out for its holistic approach, tackling the issue across inland, coastal and open waters. By systematically analyzing water flows and the nutrients they carry, she has identified key barriers to reducing pollution and proposed scientifically grounded solutions that inform both policy and concrete action.

Her work has not only advanced scientific understanding but has also translated into actionable strategies for environmental management and policy development at both national and international levels. Moreover, Destouni has played an instrumental role in educating and mentoring the next generation of water experts and environmental scientists. Her dedication has had a far-reaching impact, fostering a new wave of expertise in Sweden and beyond.

The award ceremony takes place on Friday, September 27 at 18.00, at Hotell Arkipelag in Mariehamn, Åland.

View the video with Gia Destouni (in Swedish)

The Baltic Sea Award and its Legacy

The Baltic Sea Award, awarded by the Baltic Sea Fund (Östersjöfonden), recognizes individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to improving the environmental health of the Baltic Sea. Since its inception in 1990, the award has been presented to those who offer practical or technical solutions to environmental challenges, spanning fields as diverse as science, policy-making, and environmental activism. Awardees represent one of the nine Baltic states and are acknowledged for their work in a variety of areas, from research and environmental management to cultural and public administration efforts.

Gia Destouni’s recognition follows in the footsteps of many who have dedicated their careers to the protection and restoration of the Baltic Sea. With over €820,000 awarded to 91 recipients over the years, the Baltic Sea Award continues to highlight the urgent need for collective action to safeguard this vital marine ecosystem.

A Lifelong Commitment to Water and Environmental Science

Destouni’s career exemplifies a profound commitment to the intersection of water science and environmental sustainability. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining hydrology, environmental science, and policy, has been critical in addressing the challenges of nutrient pollution and eutrophication in inland waters and the Baltic Sea.

In receiving the Baltic Sea Award, Gia Destouni joins a group of environmental leaders whose work has had a transformative effect on the health of the Baltic Sea. Her contributions to science and policy underscore the importance of research-driven solutions in tackling global environmental problems and reaffirm her position as a Baltic Sea Hero.

Text: Johanna Gavefalk
Photo: SU/Ingmarie Andersson