Canon Brings World Unseen to Kenya’s Fragile Coastline
Building on the momentum of its EMEA launch of World Unseen 2.0, Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) has expanded the initiative into East Africa through a strategic partnership with Kenya’s Oceans Alive Foundation. The regional chapter reinforces Canon’s commitment to protecting coral reefs—critical ecosystems that support 25% of marine life globally, safeguard coastlines, and underpin the food security and livelihoods of millions in coastal communities.
A Crisis Facing the World’s Coral Reefs
More than half of the world’s coral reefs have disappeared over the past three decades due to rising sea temperatures, pollution, overfishing, sedimentation, and disease. This rapid decline threatens not only marine biodiversity but also human wellbeing, as healthy oceans play a vital role in food systems, climate resilience, and coastal economies. In response, the East Africa chapter of World Unseen prioritises science-led restoration, community capacity building, and imaging-enabled monitoring to support long-term reef recovery and resilience.
Strengthening Community-Led Conservation in Kenya
The Kenya chapter builds on Canon’s existing partnerships with Nature Seychelles and Coral Spawning International, which established the first coral breeding facility in the Western Indian Ocean. Through its collaboration with Oceans Alive Foundation, Canon is now deepening community-driven conservation along Kenya’s fragile coastline. The partnership aims to expand restoration work, drive local engagement, and support knowledge transfer to enhance reef recovery.
Kyosei in Action: Technology, Science and Community
Guided by Canon’s philosophy of Kyosei—“living and working together for the common good”—the programme integrates conservation science, imaging technology, and community engagement. Through restoration activities, youth training, and imaging-led documentation, the initiative seeks to build local ownership of marine protection while delivering measurable environmental and social outcomes aligned with Canon’s Future of the Planet sustainability pillar.
Canon and Oceans Alive Leadership Perspectives
Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa, said the Kenya expansion reflects Canon’s focus on practical, science-based conservation. “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, highlighted the power of community stewardship. “We started in Kuruwitu with a bold belief—that communities are the true guardians of the sea. Through this collaboration with Canon, we are making the invisible visible, documenting life above and beneath the waves with scientific accuracy and cultural respect. When people truly see the ocean, they value it—and when they value it, they protect it,” he said.
A Community-Led Model for Reef Restoration
Founded in 2018 and rooted in the Kuruwitu community, Oceans Alive is one of Kenya’s leading community-driven marine conservation organisations. Across Kuruwitu and the wider North Coast, the organisation has restored multiple reef patches, reintroduced thousands of coral fragments, and worked closely with Beach Management Units to strengthen sustainable fisheries. These efforts have led to increased fish abundance, improved reef structure, and tangible socio-economic benefits for local households.
Canon will sponsor coral nursery tables and reef infrastructure to support the propagation and outplanting of thousands more coral fragments onto permanent reef structures. The partnership also includes rigorous scientific monitoring and transparent impact reporting to ensure progress is accurately measured and shared.
Imaging Technology for Science and Education
As part of the initiative, Canon is equipping Oceans Alive with advanced imaging tools, including PowerShot G7 X Mark III and EOS R8 cameras with underwater housings and specialised lighting systems. These tools will capture high-resolution photographic data on coral growth, bleaching events, fish recruitment, and overall reef structure—providing scientists with measurable insights into ecosystem recovery.
Canon will also deliver professional printing solutions, enabling Oceans Alive to convert scientific research into high-quality educational materials and public displays for schools, community groups, and visitors.
Youth Storytelling and Environmental Education
Beyond restoration, the partnership focuses on building storytelling capacity through underwater photography workshops, community conservation sessions, and youth-led media projects delivered via Canon Academy. These programmes empower local storytellers, students, and volunteers to document Kenya’s marine environment with scientific accuracy and compelling visual narratives.
Purpose-Led Impact for People and Planet
Through World Unseen, Canon advances its long-term vision for Africa—driving ecological recovery, strengthening community stewardship, and amplifying local conservation leadership. By turning ocean science into powerful visual stories, the initiative invites the public to learn, engage, and take action, reinforcing Canon’s commitment to sustainability and purpose-driven impact for both people and the planet.
