Rolex celebrates the Oceans and conservation efforts of these 2 Canadians

It is with a profound sense of responsibility that Rolex introduces its Oceans Moment on this past World Oceans Day, June 8th. The Swiss luxury watchmaker has been actively involved in international efforts to explore and protect our oceans for over seventy years. Initially driven by the thrill of discovery, Rolex’s mission has evolved to prioritize research and conservation. Part of this Perpetual Planet initiative, Rolex shares their support for these two amazing Canadians who have been making an impact with their conservation efforts.

The Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative

The Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, launched in 2019, represents the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental preservation. The initiative supports a diverse range of ongoing conservation projects across the globe, focusing primarily on ocean conservation, wilderness protection, and the preservation of the living world. To spotlight the inspiring work of individuals and organizations dedicated to these causes, Rolex has established key Moments throughout the year. The Oceans Moment, in particular, celebrates those leading the charge in understanding and protecting the planet’s vital marine ecosystems.

Conservation photography: Christina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen

Two of the most influential figures in conservation photography, Christina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen, are central to Rolex’s Oceans Moment. Both are renowned for their breathtaking images that capture the beauty and fragility of marine life, raising awareness about the urgent need for ocean conservation.

Christina Mittermeier: Advocate for the oceans

Christina Mittermeier is a pioneer in the field of conservation photography. As the founder of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP), she has dedicated her career to documenting the environmental and social challenges faced by indigenous communities and marine ecosystems. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including National Geographic, where her powerful imagery tells the stories of those who live in harmony with the sea and depend on its health.

Cristina Mittermeier has dived with sperm whales a number of times, and has been struck by their playfulness, social behaviour and chatter between one another. (Photo: Cristina Mittermeier)

Cristina Mittermeier co-founded SeaLegacy with Paul Nicklen and Andy Mann in 2014. Together, they have undertaken over 45 expeditions, including to Antarctica, where they encountered leopard seals. Scientific observations have shown leopard seals moving into fur seal territory around Antarctica, where they are decimating the fur seal population. (Photo: Cristina Mittermeier)

Cristina Mittermeier’s photographs often show the beautiful relationship between people and nature, like these Kayapo girls seen playing under a waterfall. The Kayapo people are one of the countless indigenous tribes of the Amazon Rainforest. (Photo: Cristina Mittermeier)

SeaLegacy’s expeditions take Cristina Mittermeier to the furthest corners of the globe, including the frozen landscapes of Antarctica. She uses photography to show the beauty of these places and inspire the climate action needed to save them. (Photo: Cristina Mittermeier)

Sea grass provides the perfect hunting ground for these rays as they forage for crustaceans. A healthy bed of lush underwater grass supports biodiverity whilst also providing nurseries for commercially important fish, ensuring food security and supporting local economies. (Photo: Cristina Mittermeier)

A young snorkeler splashes into a colourful cacophony of curious reef fish off the Rangiroa Atoll. Cristina Mittermeier aims to show how human well-being is closely intertwined with ocean health. (Photo: Cristina Mittermeier)

Mittermeier’s photography transcends mere documentation; it serves as a call to action. Her images highlight the intricate connections between human communities and the natural world, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to preserve these relationships. Through her lens, she captures the beauty of the oceans while also revealing the threats they face from pollution, overfishing, and climate change.

Paul Nicklen: The explorer photographer

Paul Nicklen, a Rolex Testimonee and celebrated conservation photographer, has spent his life exploring and documenting the polar regions. His work bridges the gap between art and science, offering viewers a glimpse into the hidden lives of marine creatures and the harsh realities of their environments. Nicklen’s photographs have garnered international acclaim, earning him numerous awards and a dedicated following.

A group of gentoo and chinstrap penguins prepares to dive into Antarctica’s frigid waters to feed, braving icy temperatures and powerful currents in search of icefish and krill. The intertidal zone is shared by both predator and prey, and both must constantly be on high alert to survive. Life above and below the water is vastly different, and yet the two realms are inextricably linked. (Photo: Paul Nicklen)

A ringed seal looks for polar bears through the crystal clear water in its breathing hole before surfacing for a breath. Without ice, ringed seals will lose a key part of their environment where they build the igloos where they rear their pups, and the series of breathing holes which allow them to evade polar bears. (Photo: Paul Nicklen)

Orcas carousel feeding on herring in Andfjorden, Norway. Paul Nicklen co-founded SeaLegacy with Cristina Mittermeier and Andy Mann to use visual storytelling to inspire millions of people to speak up for the pristine places threatened by climate change. (Photo: Paul Nicklen)

Nicklen co-founded SeaLegacy, an organization aimed at using visual storytelling to drive ocean conservation. His powerful images and videos bring attention to the impacts of global warming and human activities on marine life, inspiring global action to protect these vulnerable ecosystems. His commitment to conservation goes beyond photography; he is actively involved in campaigns to establish marine protected areas and promote sustainable fishing practices.

The Role of Rolex in Ocean Conservation

Rolex’s involvement in ocean conservation dates back to the creation of the Rolex Oyster watch in 1926, designed to be waterproof and pressure-resistant. This innovation marked the beginning of Rolex’s association with marine exploration. In 1960, a Rolex watch accompanied the bathyscaphe Trieste on its historic dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to supporting groundbreaking exploration.

The Perpetual Planet Initiative further solidifies this commitment by partnering with leading conservationists and organizations. One of its flagship partnerships is with Mission Blue, founded by oceanographer Sylvia Earle. Mission Blue aims to protect significant marine ecosystems, known as Hope Spots, around the world. With Rolex’s support, Mission Blue has been instrumental in efforts to safeguard 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.

Global conservation efforts supported by Rolex

Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative supports a network of conservation projects in over 16 countries, ranging from the Arctic to the tropics. These projects focus on creating safe zones for diverse marine species, including dugongs, seahorses, whale sharks, and great white sharks. The initiative also fosters collaboration among conservationists, enabling cross-pollination of ideas and strategies.

Under The Pole: Deep-Sea Exploration

One notable collaboration supported by Rolex is with Under The Pole (UTP), co-founded by deep-sea explorer Emmanuelle Périé-Bardout. UTP combines scientific research with deep-diving expertise to uncover the mysteries of the ocean’s depths. A partnership with ichthyologist Luiz Rocha led to a groundbreaking exploration of deep-sea animal forests in Guadeloupe, revealing new insights into these previously unexplored ecosystems.

Coral Gardeners: Restoring Reefs

In French Polynesia, Coral Gardeners, a group of young conservationists, are dedicated to restoring coral reefs and raising global awareness about their importance. With support from the Perpetual Planet Initiative, Coral Gardeners have successfully transplanted thousands of corals, contributing to the health and resilience of these vital ecosystems.

Protecting the Great Barrier Reef

British marine biologist Emma Camp, a Rolex Awards for Enterprise Laureate, leads efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Her team has transplanted over 100,000 corals to nurseries across more than 30 sites, helping to restore one of the world’s most iconic and endangered marine ecosystems.

A Vision for the future

Rolex’s commitment to ocean conservation extends to the next generation of explorers and scientists. Through scholarships and grants, the company supports education and training for future leaders in marine science and conservation. The Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society and The Rolex Explorers Club Grants provide invaluable opportunities for young scholars to gain hands-on experience in sea-based activities, fostering a new wave of marine pioneers

Rolex’s Oceans Moment is a testament to the company’s dedication to protecting the planet’s blue heart. Through the Perpetual Planet Initiative, Rolex supports visionary conservationists like Christina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen, whose work inspires global action to preserve our oceans. As we celebrate their contributions on World Oceans Day, we are reminded of the critical role that each of us can play in safeguarding the future of our marine ecosystems. Rolex’s unwavering commitment to exploration, research, and conservation continues to drive positive change, ensuring that the beauty and vitality of our oceans endure for generations to come.