Huawei Technologies has launched a groundbreaking partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to protect Kenya’s marine ecosystems. This collaboration, announced this week, will focus on safeguarding the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve along the country’s coast. The three-year project is part of Huawei’s global TECH4ALL initiative, which harnesses technology to address environmental challenges.
The Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve is home to vital marine species, including coral reefs, green turtles, and bottlenose dolphins, all of which are critical to the ecosystem’s health. The new project aims to utilize cutting-edge underwater audio-visual monitoring technologies to study marine life, focusing on the biomass and population of key species such as parrotfish. These technologies, including underwater cameras, photogrammetry, and audio monitoring, will provide real-time data on the park’s biodiversity, enabling more effective management and conservation.
Khadija Mohammed Ahmed, Media Director for Huawei Kenya, highlighted the importance of technology in mitigating the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. “Innovative thinking and smart solutions are already helping to mitigate some of the world’s most pressing environmental problems,” she stated.
The collaboration is expected to be transformative for the Kisite-Mpunguti Reserve, with KWS Senior Assistant Director for Coast Conservation Area, Adan Kala, emphasizing that the new technologies will allow for continuous, data-driven insights into the park’s ecosystems. This will improve decision-making and enable more effective management, especially in the face of challenges such as illegal fishing, limited resources for patrolling, and pressures from tourism.
Furthermore, the project will aid in securing a green list certification for the Marine Park, a move that aligns with the global sustainability agenda and boosts its appeal to environmentally-conscious tourists. Through this innovative partnership, Huawei, IUCN, and KWS are taking significant steps toward preserving one of Kenya’s most valuable natural resources for future generations.
