Kenyan Coastal community steps up reef restoration efforts as new support arrives

For years, communities in Kuruwitu have led grassroots initiatives to revive degraded reefs, promote sustainable fishing practices, and improve local livelihoods. These efforts have included restoring coral patches, training residents in reef monitoring, and collaborating with Beach Management Units to protect marine resources.

Speaking at a recent scientific forum, experts warned that coral reefs face mounting threats from warming oceans, pollution, and overfishing. Over the past three decades, more than half of the world’s coral cover has been lost, jeopardising biodiversity and food security for millions who depend on coastal ecosystems.

Canon Central and North Africa has now joined the efforts through a collaboration with the Oceans Alive Foundation, extending the company’s coral conservation work into East Africa. The initiative builds on Canon’s previous programmes in the Western Indian Ocean, including support for a regional coral breeding facility.

Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa, said the partnership will help generate more accurate environmental data.

"The World Unseen in Kenya reflects our commitment to practical, science-based conservation that empowers communities. Paired with Oceans Alive’s local leadership, Canon’s imaging expertise will enable precise monitoring, credible storytelling, and stronger reef recovery efforts," he said.

Des Bowden, founder of Oceans Alive Foundation, emphasized that community action remains at the heart of conservation.

"We started in Kuruwitu with a bold belief that communities are the true guardians of the sea," he said.

"Through this collaboration with Canon, we are making the invisible visible, documenting life above and beneath the waves with scientific accuracy and cultural respect."

As part of the programme, Canon will provide Oceans Alive with underwater-capable cameras, lighting systems, and printing solutions to support coral monitoring, bleaching assessments, and public education. The initiative also includes underwater photography workshops, youth storytelling projects, and conservation training sessions.

Both organisations say the collaboration aims to deepen community ownership of marine conservation and strengthen long-term ecosystem recovery along Kenya’s coastline.