This is the 11978th most frequent Russian word.
защитникам
"Защитникам" means "to the defenders" or "for the defenders" in English.
In this sentence, 'защитникам' is used in the dative case, indicating 'to the defenders,' and it refers to people dedicated to protecting nature.
Мы выразили благодарность защитникам природы.
We expressed gratitude to the defenders of nature.
Here, 'защитникам' in the dative case signifies the recipients of the dedication, addressing those who defended the region.
Защитникам края посвящается этот памятник.
This monument is dedicated to the defenders of the region.
In this example, 'защитникам' indicates the beneficiaries of the awards, addressing individuals who defended the country.