Unconventional minds, world-changing projects

The Rolex Awards for Enterprise support extraordinary individuals who are making the world a better place.

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  • By spreading the seeds of more than 60 species of fruit-bearing trees, the great hornbill (Buceros bocornis) plays a vital role in the regeneration of the vanishing rainforest of southern Thailand. Budo Mountain, Thailand, 1991

    Pilai Poonswad

    Thailand
    2006 Laureate

    Save threatened hornbills and their habitat in Thailand

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  • Weddell seals dive to depths of 500m to hunt their prey. Wilson’s logging device proves useful for the study their behaviour in places where zoologists cannot directly observe them. Drescher Inlet, Antarctica, 2004

    Rory Wilson

    United Kingdom
    2006 Laureate

    Mobile technology records daily diaries of animals

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  • Many aspects of Evenk culture, such as traditional dance and ritual activities, are presented at the nomadic school. Usmun river camp, Siberia, Russia, 2006

    Alexandra Lavrillier

    France
    2006 Laureate

    Establish a travelling school to revive a vanishing culture

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  • The beauty and quality of Kutchi embroidery reflect the remarkable crafsmanship of the artisans who are the custodians of this unique cultural heritage. Hodko, Kutch, India, 2006

    Chanda Shroff

    India
    2006 Laureate

    Develop traditional hand embroidery to create sustainable income

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  • Up to 20 metres long and weighting up to 20 tonnes, the whale shark is the world’s biggest living fish. Its non-predatory behaviour earned it the title of 'gentle giant'.

    Brad Norman

    Australia
    2006 Laureate

    Create a system of identification to protect the whale shark

    View Project

Latest Features

Watch for the 2008 Rolex Awards winners

Dubai

At a ceremony in Dubai on 18 November, ten visionary individuals will become Rolex Laureates.

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Meet the Royal Patron of the 2008 Awards

Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein

Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein is convinced of the need for leadership for the betterment of mankind.

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Laureates join forces

Whale Shark

The strange bounding underwater “flight” of the mightiest fish is revealed through a remarkable collaboration.

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