Rolex has today released the documentary: Perpetual Planet: Heroes of the Oceans on its web platform: www.rolex.org. It brings together legendary oceanographer and Rolex Testimonee Sylvia Earle with a cast of pioneering marine scientists, to tell the story of work being undertaken across the planet to protect the oceans’ fragile ecosystems.

Rolex commissioned this documentary as part of its Perpetual Planet initiative to support those devising solutions to the Earth’s environmental challenges. The initiative derives from Rolex’s legacy as a company that has traditionally fostered exploration for the sake of discovery. However, today’s explorers are increasingly concerned about the balance of the Earth’s ecosystems. Through its partnerships and programmes, Rolex is championing these explorers and their dedication to conservation of the environment.

It is in this spirit that Sylvia Earle, founder of Mission Blue – a partner in Perpetual Planet – narrates the documentary. It features the work of six marine scientists, five of whom are Rolex Award Laureates; Angélique Pouponneau, who is a Mission Blue champion for the Seychelles; and Ghislain Bardout, co-founder and Director of the Under The Pole expeditions.

Over the course of the hour-long documentary, the viewer is immersed in a spectacular underwater world, discovering the challenges our oceans face today and the solutions that can be taken to make a real change. Almost a third of ocean life has been destroyed due to climate change and human activity.

For Sylvia Earle there is hope: “Each of us can make a difference in inspiring others. With passion, curiosity and hope, anyone can change everything. We can create a Perpetual Planet for generations to come.”

The BBC Studios’ Science Unit-produced film for Rolex, which is being broadcast on National Geographic channels, is available to watch on rolex.org from today, World Oceans Day.