Biologist, social entrepreneurs among five Rolex Awards Laureates

Five trailblazers whose impactful projects aim to enhance lives while preserving the planet for future generations have been selected as 2023 Laureates of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise.

Established in 1976 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, these awards have evolved into a biennial programme supporting individuals with innovative projects that advance knowledge, protect the environment, preserve habitats, and improve well-being.

Originally intended as a onetime celebration, the awards garnered international attention, leading Rolex to transform them into a biennial programme.

“Over the 48 years since its inception, this initiative has supported 160 Laureates, making a profound impact across 65 countries.

“Integral to Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative, the awards align with the brand’s centurylong commitment to supporting explorers and individuals pushing the boundaries of human endeavour to shed light on the natural world,” said a release.

The 2023 Laureates, selected by a panel of 10 world-renowned experts, showcase diverse projects, from clean water initiatives in Kenya to the protection of mountainous forests in the Andes, emphasising Rolex’s commitment to a Perpetual Planet.

Among the 2023 Rolex Awards Laureates are biologist Constantino Aucca Chutas, who is scaling up a community-centered forest ecosystem restoration and protection programme in the high Andes, planting 4.5 million trees and creating 16 protected areas; Beth Koigi, a young Kenyan social entrepreneur providing solarpowered generators harvesting water from air to 3,000 people in 10 communities, addressing clean water resource needs; and Denica Riadini-Flesch, a social entrepreneur expanding a regenerative farm-to-closet clothing supply chain in Indonesia, empowering women and preserving local cultures.

The 2023 Rolex Awards jury, comprising 10 exceptional individuals including experts in remote sensing, cultural heritage and climate science, played a crucial role in selecting these Laureates, said the release.

“Focusing on the environment, the Rolex Awards have protected over 30 ecosystems and 50 endangered species through Laureates’ projects.

“Past Laureates like Emma Camp and Felix Brooks-Church have made impactful contributions, and Rolex’s network continues to foster collaboration and mentorship.”

The release also mentioned that a specific celebration for each Laureate will be held in their respective regions this year.