Enric Sala Awarded the Royal Geographical Society Founder's Medal 2026 for Marine Conservation Excellence

Prestigious honour Celebrates Excellence in Exploration and Geographical Science

The Royal Geographical Society(RGS) has announced the recipient of the Founder’s Medal 2026,  Enric Sala recognising exceptional contributions to geographical science, exploration and marine conservation. The Founder’s medal is one of the society’s most Prestigious honours, recognizing those whose pioneering research and exploration has furthered human knowledge of the world while advancing understanding of science and promoting environmental sustainability.

Enric Sala has been honored for outstanding contributions to the field of oceanic studies, marine conservation and the pursuit of sustainable ways to protect our planet's oceans. This award is in recognition of a lifetime's commitment to scientific innovation, environmental protection and oceanic conservation around the world.

Recognising Excellence in Geographical Science

Geographical science goes beyond mere mapping and surveying or merely counting vapor trails to providing insight into how people relate spatially with landscapes, oceans, and the environment. Innovations in geographical research assist in conservation of nature, climate resilience and sustainable resource use.

The Founder’s Medal recognizes outstanding scientific achievements. The Founders Medal is bestowed on individuals who have brought about a change in the understanding of Geography through their innovations. The innovations by the awardee have led to deeper understanding of marine environments, coastlines and earth-ocean processes throughout the world.

Pioneering Marine Conservation efforts

The Marine ecosystems are amongst the most diverse and biologically important regions in the world. However, the above mentioned ecosystems are facing threats in form of Climate change, pollution, Habitat degradation and unsustainable utilization of marine resources.

The 2026 Founder's Medal awardee is a pioneer in Ocean Conservation with contributions that have significantly contributed to advancing the discipline. The awardees has contributed to marine biodiversity and conservation science, including evidence- based management of threatened habits through research.

This continues to guide world efforts in conservation, and promote the wise utilization of our oceanic resources for future generations.

Advancing Ocean Research and Environmental Stewardship

The prize further recognizes distinguished contributions to ocean science, which is very crucial since the oceans have environmental issues that require management on an international level. The recipient has greatly expanded the scientific understanding of the marine environment through studies of the marine ecosystem and analysis of the relationship between the oceans, climate, and biodiversity.

The research has laid a very significant foundation for guiding environmental policy making, development, and sustainable utilization of marine resources. This research demonstrates how scientific discovery can be used directly for addressing environmental problems facing the most precious natural systems on earth.

Fostering Global Conservation Through Scientific Discovery

The Realm of Scientific Discovery is still one of the key corners to bring solution to environmental challenges. The recipient demonstrates how research, exploration and collaboration can spark worldwide conservation efforts and promote public engagement with marine ecosystems.

Meeting the gap between science and action for conservation through the incorporation of both geographical science and environmental advocacy, this recipient has played a major role in connecting these important aspects. Their achievements continue to motivate researchers, conservationists, educators and policymakers working for a more sustainable future.

A lasting Legacy of Exploration and Conservation

The 2026 Royal Geographical Society Founders Medal recognises a career dedicated to exploration, scientific achievement and devotion. The Recipient’s pioneering contributions to marine conservation and oceanography contributing new geographical science that forms a wider world efforts to conserve the natural environment.

With myriad environmental challenges facing the world, success stories like these shows how vital scientific research is to preserving ecosystems and advancing sustainable development.

Congratulations again to the Enric Sala 2026 recipient of the Royal Geographical Society Founder’s Medal. This Prestigious award acknowledges a lifetime of service in geographical science , marine conservation and ocean research , inspiring generations to explore, understand and safeguard the Earth for the common good.