Celebrating 25 Years of Morigenos: An Evening of Memories, Gratitude and Looking Ahead

Twenty-five years of research, marine conservation, continuous learning and overcoming all kinds of challenges. Above all, those years have been shaped by people. It was to them that we dedicated the anniversary celebration held on 3 October 2026 at Caffè al Teatro in Piran. The evening brought together staff, current and former members, volunteers, friends and many supporters, each of whom helped shape the organisation in their own way and at different points in its history. It gave us an opportunity to pause, look back on the journey so far and revisit the events and decisions that have made Morigenos what it is today.
The official programme opened with an address by the Society’s Vice-President, Polona Kotnjek, followed by President Dr Tilen Genov. Also sharing their reflections on the anniversary were Robert Fakin, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Piran; Sime Simič, a long-standing friend and supporter of the Society; and Violeta Potočnik, the Society’s founder and Honorary President. Their words offered different perspectives on the Society’s beginnings, its development and the importance of its work in improving our understanding of the sea and helping to protect it.
Deputy Mayor Robert Fakin highlighted how the work of Morigenos over the years has also left its mark on Piran and its relationship with the sea: “When you began your story in 2001, it was the story of a small group of young people interested in the lives of dolphins in our sea. Today, Morigenos is an internationally recognised research organisation, and thanks to you, Piran has also become a place where the sea is not merely talked about, but seriously studied, understood and protected.”
He also identified a change in the way we perceive the dolphins in our sea as one of the Society’s most important achievements: “You have given the dolphins in our sea names and stories. Thanks to you, we no longer see them as something we occasionally glimpse from the shore or a boat. We know that they belong here, that this is their home, their space. And by protecting them, we are ultimately protecting our shared sea.”
He also emphasised that the Municipality of Piran is proud that the Dolphin Centre has found its home in the very heart of Piran, and wished the Society continued curiosity, perseverance and courage over the next 25 years.
After the speeches, we shifted our focus from official milestones to the stories behind the scenes. In a relaxed conversation prepared by the staff, some of the most remarkable moments came back to life, along with anecdotes that rarely make it into reports and memories of challenging periods when continuing was far from certain. The conversation offered a more personal insight into what it means to remain true to the same mission for a quarter of a century, adapt to change and preserve the drive with which it all began.
The evening reminded us once again that Morigenos is shaped not only by research and projects, but also by the community behind it. To everyone who has given the Society their time, knowledge, trust or support over the past 25 years, our heartfelt thanks. We look forward to everything we will create and achieve together in the years ahead.

Photo galery:

Photos: Aljaž Bajs