Rolex Laureate Inza Koné

I’m very impressed by Rolex’s commitment to the planet and to humanity with the development of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise. They are a part of Rolex’s overarching chairty, the Perpetual Planet Initiative. The Rolex Awards for Enterprise go to people with an entrepreneurial spirit who impact the world around them in a very positive way. 

One of the newest laureates is Inza Koné. His dedication to rainforest wildlife in Africa is truly impressive. In childhood, Koné had a pet baboon. The creature grew until it was unmanageable and could no longer live with the family. The problem was the baboon also couldn’t return to the wild, too integrated with humanity. His pet baboon was euthanized Koné says from that point forward he thought of wildlife differently, becoming intent on protecting animals in their natural habitat.

From that sad experience has come a life that’s miraculously dedicated to good. Koné is the first primatologist from Côte d’Ivoire, the Ivory Coast. He’s spent twenty years studying and protecting wildlife. Since 2018, he’s been the Director-General of the Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques in Côte d’Ivoire (Swiss Center of Scientific Research in Côte D'ivoire.) A big part of his job is to help protect and study endangered primates in Côte d’Ivoire’s Tanoé-Ehy Forest.

Through community engagement, political activism, and scientific research; Koné’s impact on the forest is continually felt. He’s developed relationships with no fewer than ten communities surrounding the area, bringing together different stakeholders in the resources as well as the cultural import of the habitat. Koné’s efforts had and continue to have an impact. In 2021, the forest became a natural reserve, a community managed natural reserve.

When I read about people like Inza Koné and how Rolex supports them, I’m glad to be in the business I’m in. To me, Rolex is impressive on a number of levels, and I’m grateful I get to work with their products. If you’re in the market for a pre-owned Rolex, give me a call. You’ll be glad you did.

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Rolex Laureate Beth Koigi