From the hidden labours of marine worms to the hopeful flutter of a baby sea turtle, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s 2025 Environmental Photography Award has once again celebrated the power of storytelling through a lens.
The Grand Prize of the 2025 Environmental Photography Award has been awarded to Spanish photographer and marine biologist Angel Fitor for his captivating image Unseen Unsung Heroes, which captures the humble but essential actions of marine worms filtering sand off the Spanish coast. The image, a winner in the ‘Ocean Worlds’ category, earned Fitor the top honour and a €5,000 grant from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
“For me, photography is a language that speaks on behalf of nature,” said Fitor. “This image reveals the quiet but critical influence these small creatures have on the Mediterranean ecosystem — an ecosystem upon which we ourselves depend.” The marine biologist-turned-photographer, whose work has also been recognised by World Press Photo and Wildlife Photographer of the Year, dedicated the award to the invisible workers of the sea that inspired it.
A sweep of awards for Angel Fitor
Fitor’s presence was felt across the competition. In addition to the Grand Prize, he won the Change Makers: Reasons for Hope category with Training Day, a tender shot of a baby loggerhead sea turtle in recovery. Two other images, Night Stalker and Beauty Languages, were shortlisted in the Ocean Worlds category, cementing his status as one of the most celebrated contributors to this year’s edition.
“I feel like a proud ambassador for this award,” Fitor said, reflecting on the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to the Mediterranean Sea — a commitment, he noted, that has inspired his work since childhood.
Seven winners and a global jury
In total, seven photographers received prizes this year. Notable winners include Jellyfish and Iceberg by Galice Hoarau in the Polar Wonders category, Clash of Kings by Iacopo Nerozzi in Into the Forest, and Breeding Machine by Amy Jones in Humanity versus Nature. The Public Award, voted on by audiences, went to After the Flames, Hope by Fernando Faciole, while the Student’s Choice Award was given to Forest Guard by Bambang Wirawan.
This year’s international jury was presided over by National Geographic photographer and filmmaker Ami Vitale. “Photography is one of the most powerful tools we have to reconnect people with nature,” she said. “These images aren’t just beautiful — they demand action.”
Promenade du Larvotto to host 2025 exhibition
The winning and shortlisted photographs — 36 in total — will be exhibited along Monaco’s Promenade du Larvotto from the 3rd June to the 31st July, before going on international tour. As in previous years, the Foundation will also publish a photography book through Skira Paris, featuring all selected images with explanatory texts.
Now in its fifth year, the Environmental Photography Award forms a key pillar of the Foundation’s Green Shift Initiative. According to Olivier Wenden, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Foundation, the award “gives voice to the living world and speaks directly to the heart of the public… weaving new imaginary worlds that call for greater collective action.”
Looking ahead to 2026
Photographers inspired to share their vision for next year’s edition won’t have long to wait. Entries for the 2026 Environmental Photography Award will open from the 2nd September to the 2nd November 2025 via the award’s official website.
Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Main photograph: Unseen Unsung Heroes by Angel Fitor. All images courtesy the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation