There are always stories about nature to be told. At the end of 2022, Rolex announced a groundbreaking collaboration with photographic luminaries Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen as part of its Perpetual Planet Initiative, transcending the mere pursuit of aesthetically pleasing images. Together with photographer and filmmaker Andy Mann, Mittermeier and Nicklen founded SeaLegacy, a non-profit organisation that brings together filmmakers, photographers, marine and climate experts, indigenous leaders, and policymakers from around the world to build engagement and protect our oceans. Boasting a multi-award-winning career, Mittermeier’s story began in the landlocked Mexican town of Cuernavaca.
Captivated by the ocean during her inaugural coastal excursion with her father, Mittermeier’s academic journey in marine science unravelled the profound challenges encumbering the planet’s oceans. Recognising the urgency of drawing attention to necessary transformations, she seamlessly transitioned into the world of visual storytelling. Emerging as an influential figure in the realm of conservation photography, Mittermeier passionately spearheads the charge for environmental awareness.
Conservation Photographer
Conservation Photographer
Paul Nicklen, is an acclaimed wildlife photographer, author, and filmmaker. He traces the roots of his passion and reverence for nature to his childhood amidst the Arctic Inuit community on Baffin Island in the Canadian territory of Nunavut. This early immersion gave Nicklen a rare insight into today’s most threatened ecosystems. Like Mittermeier, Nicklen embarked on his career with a scientific exploration of marine life before becoming one of the most prominent nature photographers of his time. His lens has since showcased the beauty of some of Earth’s most extreme environments. His work is celebrated for illuminating the link between biodiversity loss and climate change, and depicting how our precious ecosystems are being pushed to the brink of destruction.
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. In the delicate balance of our planet’s survival, Mittermeier and Nicklen are emerging as change catalysts, unveiling imminent threats and spotlighting solutions for our oceans. With over 45 expeditions under their belt, the duo has documented over 765 species and perpetuated the seas through a whopping 7 million images. Boasting global recognition, their collective Instagram following of 9 million is an impressive testament. Yet, they’re not looking to stay stationary—they want to connect with an even broader audience that can propel their mission forward.
The Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative supports Mittermeier and Nicklen’s vision and values and will allow for their messages to be shared with new audiences while they continue to provide a view of the oceans like no other. In the two films they produced with Rolex’s support the ocean is seen as a realm of discovery and exploration, a vital force nurturing all life on Earth, including our own. Through their lenses, Mittermeier and Nicklen are making a powerful plea to preserve this environment for future generations.
This article was first published in the Dec ’23/Jan ’24 issue of Grazia Malaysia.