ROLEX I S DED I CATED TO I NNOVAT I VE P RO J ECT S THAT EX PAND OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORLD , I MP ROVE HUMAN WELL - BE I NG , AND P ROTECT THE ENV I RONMENT.
LUIZ ROCHA , a marine scientist from Brazil, is working to explore and protect coral reefs and their biodiversity in the Indian Ocean. His aim is to strengthen conservation of these largely unknown ecosystems. Rocha will research their suitability to shelter at-risk species from shallower reefs that are threatened by global warming.
GINA MOSELEY , a polar explorer and climate change scientist from the United Kingdom, aims to lead the first expedition to explore the planet’s northernmost caves in Greenland to improve our knowledge of climate change in the Arctic. The Arctic is warming at more than twice the rate of the global average, Moseley says, and understanding more about how this sensitive part of the world responds in a warmer world is crucial.
“Rolex has long recognized its responsibility to play a part in creating a sustainable planet, a Perpetual Planet,” says Arnaud Boetsch, Rolex’s director of communication and image. “Rather than venturing into the unknown and discovering uncharted lands, the new breed of explorer is committed to protecting the planet. The five laureates are prime examples of these guardians of the future.” They will receive funding for their projects and other benefits, such as worldwide publicity, which often engenders further support. “The 155 projects supported by the Rolex Awards for Enterprise for nearly a half century have had a real impact on the world, with millions of people around the globe benefiting,” says Boetsch. “Marked by individual achievement, excellence, and performance, the Laureates and their projects reflect the values that have underpinned Rolex from its earliest days.”
HINDOUOUMAROUIBRAHIM , a climate activist fromChad, uses indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge to map natural resources and prevent climate conflicts in the Sahel region of west- central Africa. Ibrahim believes women are key to her initiative because they remain close to nature, using the terrain and powers of observation to solve problems. She compares women’s wisdom to apps on a smart phone. “My best app is my grandmother,” she says.
L O N G ’ S J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E [ 65
Powered by FlippingBook