Rolex Creates Positive Change with the Perpetual Planet initiative

With a consistent record of supporting science and environmental issues globally, Rolex has long been recognising individuals with genuine commitment and passion to influence positive environmental change while nurturing cutting-edge technological advancement.

Sylvia Earle

Change with the

Joseph Cook

Many progressive and forward-thinking companies are now playing their part in tackling our increasingly urgent environmental crisis. One of the very first to do so was Rolex. For well over half a century, this widely respected global company has long been renowned for combining deep-seated traditions and values with an unrelenting commitment to supporting individuals and organisations confronting environmental issues. Rolex has historically been acclaimed for its commitment to fostering exploration. With today’s explorers exceedingly concerned about the state of Earth’s ecosystems, Rolex is drawing attention to the planet’s fragility while proposing workable solutions. This duty of care is embodied by Rolex’s Perpetual Planet initiative, providing a roadmap for the company’s future conservation efforts. Launched in 2019, the Perpetual Planet initiative seeks to restore balance to our ecosystems. This programme encompasses a range of projects designed to increase our knowledge and find solutions to preserve these fragile yet essential assets. One of these crucial initiatives is Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue (which Rolex has partnered since 2014), which aims to help preserve the oceans through a network of marine-protected ‘Hope Spots’. Included under the Perpetual Planet umbrella is the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, supporting exceptional individuals’ innovative projects improving knowledge of our world for the past 45 years. These accolades support exceptional individuals with innovative projects that improve our knowledge of the world, protect the environment, and improve human wellbeing. The environmental legacy of these awards has been immense. Since their inception in 1976, an estimated 5 million people have benefited globally – around 18 million trees have been planted, 34 endangered species and 26 major ecosystems have been protected, hundreds of new species have been discovered, 16 challenging expeditions have been completed, and 48 innovative technologies have been developed. Notable beneficiaries of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise include Joseph Cook, who studied the Greenland ice sheet to understand the influence of microorganisms, Lonnie Dupre, whose Arctic expeditions continue to draw attention to the perils of climate change, and Miranda Wang, spearheading an innovative process of transforming unrecyclable plastic waste into valuable materials. Many environment-preserving technological developments have stemmed from the advanced tracking technologies developed by Rolex Laureates. For decades, Rolex has supported organisations and initiatives raising environmental awareness. Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf’s vision of the world as a ‘living laboratory’ still guides the company today, especially his vision of promoting conservation through exploration. With the Perpetual Planet initiative, Rolex is committed to supporting explorers in their quest to protect our precious environment before time runs out. To find out more about Rolex’s ongoing efforts in conservation, exploration and technological advancement, visit www.rolex.org •