Today, on the occasion of Njegoš Day, the President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović presented the Order of the Montenegrin Flag, Third Class, to the organizations Expeditio and KANA, as well as to activist Zenepa Lika.
Milatović, as announced by his office, awarded the medals to the laureates for their exceptional contribution to the preservation of cultural and natural heritage and responsible spatial planning.
"Protecting cultural and natural heritage is not just about caring about the past – it is our relationship to the present and the future. The way we preserve space speaks volumes about how much we value ourselves," said Milatović.
He added that "the line between profit and responsibility, between the interests of the individual and the interests of the community, determines our civilizational reach."
Lika said that she sees the award as significant recognition of her long-standing engagement in the protection of natural and cultural assets.
"But even more as an obligation — to continue with the same dedication, responsibility and faith in the meaning of what I do," said Lika.
The representative of the Expeditio organization, Aleksandra Kapetanović, said that they are pleased that their three-decade work in promoting responsible architectural practices and sustainable spatial development, as well as preserving the cultural heritage of Montenegro, has been recognized by the highest authorities of the state.
"Unfortunately, the current situation in the area is alarming, despite the efforts made to stop the negative trend. That is why we are using this opportunity, as always, to point out the exceptional values of the Montenegrin space, but also the dangers that threaten its permanent devastation," said Kapetanović.
KANA representative Sonja Dragović said that they received the Order of the Montenegrin Flag as an unexpected gesture.
"Because in almost ten years of the existence of the KANA/Who if not an architect group, official institutions have done almost nothing to show that they see, let alone appreciate, our commitment to public interest and fair spatial development," said Dragović.
Milatović said that this year's laureates, through their work, defend the value of space as a common resource, culture as the foundation of identity, and social responsibility as the highest expression of patriotism.
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