We are proud to announce that Morigenos – Slovenian Marine Mammal Society has received the 2026 Rado Smerdu Award, Slovenia’s highest national recognition in the field of nature conservation.

The award was presented to the Society during the Nature Day 2026 event, held on 12 June 2026 at Brdo pri Kranju. The award is granted by the Republic of Slovenia for outstanding achievements that make a significant contribution to the development of nature conservation as a professional field and to the conservation of nature itself. It represents the highest national recognition in this area.

In the year that Morigenos celebrates its 25th anniversary, this award serves as a special acknowledgement of the Society’s long-standing work in dolphin research and marine conservation. In its justification, the award committee stated, among other things: “Morigenos has elevated the paradigm of Slovenia as a maritime nation to an entirely new level. Through the civil-society activities of this year’s award recipient, including outstanding scientific and professional work, education, the promotion of citizen science, and the strengthening of active citizenship, Slovenia is reaching the highest civilisational standard of a maritime nation – one that respects, studies, and protects its marine ecosystems.”

For us, this justification represents an exceptional honour, as it recognises the importance of connecting science, education, and public engagement in marine conservation – an approach on which Morigenos has built its work for a quarter of a century.

Upon receiving this award, we would like to sincerely thank all our members, employees, volunteers, collaborators, partners, supporters, and funders who have helped shape the story of Morigenos over the years. This recognition is also a tribute to their work, support, and trust.