Exploration of Earth’s most biodiverse areas can solve planet’s environmental challenges
Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative supports vital research by Michel André in Amazon rainforest and Steve Boyes along Africa’s rivers
Two pioneering individuals, Frenchman Michel André and South African Steve Boyes, have both embraced big ideas and bold actions to help find the answers to some of the Earth’s major environmental challenges.
André is an acclaimed bioacoustician – a field combining biological and acoustic sciences, which records, stores and analyses animal communication – who is using the latest technology to monitor and protect the Amazonian rainforest by better understanding the health of the ecosystem’s rich biodiversity.
Conservationist Boyes has been exploring the rivers of Central Africa for more than a decade to unravel the mysteries of water supply across the continent and protect the sources on which so much life depends.
Their scientific endeavours have received continuing support from Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative, which supports explorers, scientists and organisations working to safeguard the planet in three major areas – ocean conservation, wilderness protection and the preservation of the living world.
Acoustic research helps protect Amazon’s biodiversity
André has won deserved international recognition for developing a set of scientific tools and techniques to help protect biodiversity around the world.
Throughout his career, he has used sound to research and interpret changes in the natural environment, leading to decisive action that promotes conservation efforts in vulnerable ecosystems and can achieve transformative results.