|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, in collaboration with Huawei Kenya and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has reaffirmed its commitment to the sustainable protection of marine ecosystems through the ongoing Tech4Nature pilot project at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park.
During a consultative meeting chaired by Blue Economy Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi, stakeholders reviewed the initiative’s progress, which employs cutting-edge technology to enhance coral reef conservation.
In her remarks, PS Njagi praised the project for its use of underwater cameras and digital sensors to collect high-resolution images and real-time data. She stated that the information captured will be analyzed to inform evidence-based policy and marine management, highlighting the critical role of technology in advancing environmental protection efforts.
“This will support evidence-based policy decisions and inform effective management interventions for the conservation of our marine ecosystems, with a particular focus on protecting coral reefs,” she said.
Launched in January this year as part of Huawei’s global TECH4ALL initiative, the project is a three-year collaboration designed to integrate advanced technology to monitor and protect one of Kenya’s most biodiverse marine habitats.
The objective of the coastal region project is to support adaptive management through data-driven insights, aiding conservation efforts for coral reefs, endangered green turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and seagrass beds.
Strategic Conservation Innovation
Commenting on the project, Khadija Mohammed, Huawei Kenya’s Director of Media and Government Relations, underscored the importance of innovation in tackling urgent ecological challenges.
“Climate change and biodiversity loss are threatening the health of our planet. However, advances in technology are offering us a lifeline—smart solutions are already helping mitigate some of the world’s most pressing environmental problems,” she said.
The project introduces a pioneering monitoring and data analysis system within Kenya’s marine protected areas.
IUCN anticipates that the initiative will contribute towards achieving the organization’s Green List certification for the park, enhancing its eco-tourism appeal while preserving its heritage for future generations.
The Tech4Nature initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate digital innovation into environmental conservation and climate action. The Kisite Mpunguti pilot serves as a model for scaling similar projects across Kenya’s marine protected areas.
