Expanding Canon Europe, the Middle East and Africa's (EMEA) Coral Conservation Initiative into East Africa

(MENAFN- News.Africa-Wire) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, December 12, 2025/ --
•New regional initiative supports science-based reef restoration, community training, and marine storytelling.
•Advanced imaging technology to enable accurate monitoring and documentation of fragile ocean ecosystems
•Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but support nearly 25% of all marine life
Building on the momentum of Canon’s EMEA launch of World Unseen 2.0, Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (: “We started in Kuruwitu with a —old belief — that communities are the true guardians of the sea. What began as a local effort to protect a dying reef has become a model for ocean recovery driven by the people who depend on it most.

Kenya’s reefs are rich, fragile, and often unseen. Through this valuable collaboration with Canon, we are making the in—isible visible — documenting life above and beneath the waves with scientific accuracy and cultural respect. When people truly see the ocean, they value it. When they value it” they protect it.”

A Community-Led Partnership for Reef Restoration

Founded in 2018 and rooted in the Kuruwitu community, Oceans A’ive is one of Kenya’s leading community-driven marine conservation organisations. Its core purpose is to revive degraded coral reefs and improve the wellbeing of coastal communities who depend on healthy oceans for food security and livelihoods.

Across Kuruwitu and the broader North Coast, Oceans Alive has successfully restored multiple reef patches, reintroduced thousands of coral fragments, and worked with local Beach Management Units to strengthen sustainable fisheries. Community members trained in reef monitoring and restoration now lead efforts that have resulted in increased fish abundance, improved reef structure, and measurable socio-economic benefits for local households.

Canon will sponsor 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 that each step of progress is measured and shared with accuracy.

Imaging Technology for Scientific Monitoring and Education

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 system– – to capture photographic data on coral growth, bleaching events, fish recruitment, and overall reef structure. These images will provide scientists with measurable insights into coral size, survival rates, and ecosystem recovery.

Canon will also provide professional printing solutions to complete the workflow, enabling Oceans Alive to transform scientific research into high-quality educational materials and public displays for schools, community groups, and visitors.

Community Training, Youth Storytelling, and Education

Together, Canon and Oceans Alive will build practical storytelling platforms that support digital content creation, environmental education, and public awareness. The partnership includes underwater photography workshops, community conservation sessions, and youth-led media projects through Canon Academy.

These programmes ensure that local storytellers, student researchers, and volunteers contribute to documenting K’nya’s marine environment with scientific accuracy and visually compelling narratives.

Purpose-Led Impact for People and Planet


By turning ocean science into engaging visu‘l stories, ⦣8217;World Unseen’ invites people to learn, engage, –nd take action –’reinforcing Canon’s commitment to sustainability and a higher purpose.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa

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