Documentary commissioned by Rolex explores the need for ocean conservation

File photo showing marine scientist and 2019 Rolex Awards laureate Emma Camp searching for resilient corals that might save the Great Barrier Reef. Photo: Rolex

As fashion embraces sustainability, more efforts are being taken to spread awareness on the subject. Rolex's latest endeavour is a documentary telling the story of ocean conservation.

Perpetual Planet: Heroes Of The Oceans brought together legendary oceanographer Sylvia Earle with a cast of pioneering marine scientists. Produced by BBC Studios’ science unit, it focuses on the work being undertaken across the planet to protect the oceans’ fragile ecosystems.

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Rolex commissioned this documentary as part of its Perpetual Planet initiative to support those devising solutions to the earth’s environmental challenges.

It derives from the watchmaker’s legacy as a company that has traditionally fostered exploration for the sake of discovery. However, today’s explorers are increasingly concerned about the balance of our planet’s ecosystems.

Thus, Rolex is championing these explorers and their dedication to conservation of the environment.

Passion for conservation

Earle, founder of Mission Blue – a partner in Perpetual Planet – narrates the documentary. It was released online on the Rolex website, as well as broadcasted on National Geographic channels.

Perpetual Planet: Heroes Of The Oceans features the work of six marine scientists, five of whom are Rolex Award laureates – Emma Camp, Michel Andre, Kerstin Forsberg, Brad Norman and Vreni Haussermann; Angelique Pouponneau, who is a Mission Blue champion for the Seychelles; and Ghislain Bardout, co-founder and director of the Under The Pole expeditions.

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Over the course of the hour-long documentary, viewers are immersed in a spectacular underwater world, discovering the challenges our oceans face today and the solutions that can be taken to make a real change.

According to the press release, almost a third of ocean life has been destroyed due to climate change and human activity.

Earle however, remains hopeful: “Each of us can make a difference in inspiring others. With passion, curiosity and hope, anyone can change everything. We can create a Perpetual Planet for generations to come.”