Tanoé-Ehy Forest, Côte d’Ivoire / Inza Koné – and Kenya / Beth Koigi
The Rolex Awards for Enterprise – a showcase of Rolex’s commitment to support individuals and organisations leveraging science to tackle today’s environmental and social challenges.
Owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a charitable trust established in 1960, Rolex stands out as a pioneering example of reimagining traditional business practices. For nearly a century, Rolex has backed intrepid explorers who push the boundaries of human achievement.
While initially focusing on exploration for the sake of discovery, the company shifted its focus to protecting the planet with a long-term commitment to support individuals and organisations that leverage science to tackle today’s environmental and social challenges.
This commitment is epitomised by the Perpetual Planet Initiative, launched in 2019, which encompasses the Rolex Awards for Enterprise. Alongside long-standing partnerships with entities such as Mission Blue and the National Geographic Society, Rolex collaborates with newer organisations such as Coral Gardeners, totalling more than 30 partners.
A cornerstone of the Perpetual Planet initiative, the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, established in 1976, have supported projects in the field of science and technology, endangered ecosystems and species preservation, as well as preserving culture and improving the living standards in developing countries.
The concept of perpetual time offers a more rounded alternative to linear time, representing an infinite and unending continuum. While perpetual motion remains elusive without an external energy source, Rolex Perpetual calibres come remarkably close to achieving this state. This foundational principle drives the foundation’s commitment to preserving cultures and safeguarding the planet for future generations.
Two Africans are among this year’s five laureates who each receive CHF200,000 towards their projects.
Credit: Gary Cotterell,Wantedonline
Images: Rolex