Sharks were the theme at this year's Galapagos Day, held on 22nd October at the Royal Geographical Society in London. The featured speaker was Peter Benchley, author of the book Jaws, and scriptwriter for the film that followed, who gave an entertaining talk in which he highlighted his own experiences with these oceanic predators. He made the point that most shark attacks on humans are mistakes, and closed his talk with a powerful plea that we should value and conserve these remarkable and much maligned species.
Peter Benchley told us that he is pleased to be able to benefit marine conservation as a result of his celebrity status that stemmed from the film. We were very grateful to him for joining us in the RGS's newly and very elegantly decorated Ondaatje Theatre.
GCT would like to thank the sponsors of the event, in particular Rolex UK and Noble Caledonia. Many thanks are also due to all those individuals and companies that donated prizes for the raffle draw, especially Journey Latin America and Klein Tours, who provided the star prize of a luxury holiday for two in Galapagos.
Rolex is pleased to have had the opportunity to support the 2002 Galapagos Day, with its lecture by Peter Benchley. It is proud to include Mr Benchley amongst the esteemed group of Rolex wearers featured in its advertising campaign, and to emphasise its great admiration for his work to conserve shark species around the world.
Rolex watches have long been considered an essential piece of equipment by explorers, adventurers and conservationists. Indeed, Rolex's links with the Royal Geographical Society go back many years and its chronometers have accompanied expeditions and research trips to all corners of the globe.
Encouraging such a spirit of enterprise today, the Rolex Awards for Enterprise recognise pioneering concepts and innovative thought in the areas of science and medicine; technology and innovation; exploration and discovery; the environment; and cultural heritage. Winners receive a financial contribution to implement their projects, a Rolex watch and worldwide recognition of their efforts and aspirations.
The 2002 Rolex Awards for Enterprise laureates were announced on 23 October at a ceremony in Tokyo. Meanwhile, applications for the 2004 Awards are welcomed. For further information please visit www.rolexawards.com