Event panelists Susan and David Rockefeller, together with Chinese entrepreneur Mr. Ren Zhiqiang (one of the co-founders of Alashan Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology) engaged in a roundtable discussion about the inter-connections between the arts, culture, the environment and the state of the human spirit, in an exchange of ideas on how to solve environmental issues such as ocean acidification, overfishing and pollution. The forum discussion was preceded by the screening of ‘Mission of Mermaids’ a short film directed by Susan Rockefeller and aimed to raise public awareness of marine ecological protection. 

 

 “Together with Girard-Perregaux and Christie’s, we would like to address the preciousness of time,” said Susan Rockefeller, "Our time is limited in terms of the protection of our natural resources. My hope is that “Mission of Mermaids” and “Protect What is Precious” will inspire people to reflect on the importance of preserving our environment and protecting what they hold precious."

 

Following the panel discussion, Girard-Perregaux presented Susan and David Rockefeller with the limited edition Sea Hawk Mission of Mermaids wristwatch. This unique timepiece, designed in collaboration with Susan Rockefeller, is inspired by forest green and ocean blue embellishments on the dial, which complement the mysterious mermaid carving on the case back, embodying the wish for ocean protection.  The event, which was hosted at Yuan Space Beijing, also featured a musical performance by Asian Cultural Council Grantee, Coco Zhao.