Watches

Rolex Names Its ‘Explorer of the Year’

WatchesJun 23, 2021

Rolex Names Its ‘Explorer of the Year’

Kenyan conservationist and wildlife advocate Paula Kahumbu received the honor.

20210623_PaulaKahumbu.jpg
Paula Kahumbu, CEO of Kenyan organization Wildlife Direct, is the 2021 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year. (Cheryl Zoo for National Geographic)
New York—Rolex has a long history of supporting global exploration and in recent years, that has shifted to a focus on conservation. 

Recently, the watchmaker announced the 2021 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year is conservationist and wildlife activist Paula Kahumbu. 
 
Kahumbu is the CEO of non-governmental organization Wildlife Direct. 
 
The Kenyan organization aims to protect wildlife through education, bringing children to Kenya’s national parks and reserves; community development, helping foster peaceful relationships between local populations and animals; media, such as documentaries; and legal measures to create further wildlife protection.
 
Kahumbu grew up in rural Nairobi, according to Rolex, and counts famous anthropologist Richard Leakey as her mentor. 
 
She enlists a holistic approach in her efforts to promote sustainability, and mobilizes people through media such as blogs, videos, and podcasts. 
 
Kahumbu adheres to the philosophy that Africans should be at the forefront of the conservation conversation on the continent. 
 
She was part of the “Hands Off Our Elephants” campaign, working alongside Kenya’s First Lady Margaret Kenyatta to spur the justice system to combat elephant poaching and ivory trafficking. 
 
Kahumbu has written children’s books about animals, and produced the documentary “Wildlife Warriors,” which Rolex said is the first wildlife television series made by Africans for an African audience. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Kahumbu’s previous roles include executive director for the Kenya Land Conservation Trust and head of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora office of the Kenya Wildlife Service.
 
Of her many accolades, including previous honors from Rolex, Kahumbu received the “Order of the Grand Warrior” from Kenya’s president in 2014.
 
Rolex honored Kahumbu with the Explorer of the Year title at the National Geographic Explorers Festival, held digitally earlier this month. 
 
“Through our Perpetual Planet initiative, we support individuals and organizations using science to understand the world’s environmental challenges, devise solutions to restore balance to our ecosystems and safeguard the Earth for future generations,” said Arnaud Boetsch, director of communication and image for Rolex.
 
“As part of this commitment we are actively involved with the National Geographic Explorers Festival and delighted that exceptional individuals receive the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year award. We want to congratulate Paula Kahumbu on being this year’s award recipient.”

20210623_PaulaKahumbu2.jpg
Kahumbu has used media to spread the conservation message. (Cheryl Zoo for National Geographic)
 
The annual Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year award honors an individual who is a leader in exploration, illuminating the planet’s challenges and inspiring others to create a more sustainable future. 
 
The award is part of Rolex’s Perpetual Planet initiative, launched in 2019.
 
The initiative’s mission is three-fold: funding individuals who are bettering the world through its Rolex Awards for Enterprise; preserving the oceans; and understanding climate change through data. 
 
Rolex works toward the latter goal in partnership with National Geographic. The companies have partnered since the 1950s, with a special emphasis on supporting exploration since 2017. 
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Weekly QuizMay 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Inoveo Platinum Grain image.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by Stuller

Sponsored by Stuller

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Grizzly Mining Pilala emerald
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat Emerald

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

GemFind Logo
TechnologyMay 29, 2025
GemFind Launches AI Product Description Software

GemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.

Graff Fontainebleau Las Vegas
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas Flagship

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

Kim Kardashian
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist Trial

Aging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.

New York Liberty 2024 WNBA Championship Ring
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic Win

The WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.

Jewelers Board of Trade logo
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT President

A longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.

Logos for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America

The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

Al Capone Pocket Watch
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for Auction

The platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.

Kat Florence Lumina
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K

Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.

Mark Henry Gumdrop Bypass Ring
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored Gemstones

Get a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in Burglaries

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

Bliss Lau Bright Ring
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ Ring

From Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.

GIA pearl report
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification System

The lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.

GCALbySarine Diamond Journey Certificate_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the Spotlight

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

The late West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO Show

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

Watches of Switzerland store in Mall of America
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14%

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

Jorge Adeler, Wendy Adeler, Valentina Adeler
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.

Jose Hess Design Awards 2025 Trophy
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce Judges

The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

MJSA 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy