Four young men gather around a table, focused on a discussion. One man stands, pointing at notes on a sheet of paper, while the others sit attentively, with expressions of contemplation. The setting is casual, with a sofa visible in the background.

Citizen-led Ocean Conservation

Our local Partner Oceans Alive Kenya cares for the Kuruwitu Co-Managed Marine Protected Area, helping establish a community-managed marine sanctuary. Thanks to support from Pelorus Foundation, they have been able to deliver a vital research project through an innovative citizen science programme that puts the power of conservation directly into the hands of the local community.

Oceans Alive Kenya has focused on training Kuruwitu residents to become citizen scientists, equipping them with the skills to monitor their own marine environment. These newly trained citizen scientists are learning to assess crucial elements like fish populations, seagrass beds, and coral health. This isn’t just about gathering data – it’s about giving the community a direct stake in the future of their natural resources.

This matters because the Kuruwitu area is home to some of the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world, but like many coastal regions, it faces significant threats from climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Traditional conservation efforts have often been limited by a lack of resources and scientific expertise. This new approach changes the game by turning local residents into conservation experts who can monitor the reefs regularly, providing real-time data that can inform better management decisions.

The Pilot Phase has brought exciting results. In the first six months, ten local community members were trained as citizen scientists. They’ve already started collecting data, and the findings are eye-opening. Even reefs just a few meters apart can vary widely in terms of fish populations and coral cover. This kind of detailed, site-specific information is invaluable for understanding how to best protect these delicate ecosystems.

A group of people wading in shallow water near a shoreline, with clear blue skies and gentle waves.
A group of dolphins swimming in clear turquoise waters, with some breaking the surface and creating splashes.
Two elephants wander across a reddish-brown landscape dotted with sparse vegetation and shadows.

This citizen science initiative is not just about data collection; it’s also connected to ongoing coral reef restoration projects in the area. By involving the community in both monitoring and restoration, the project fosters a deep sense of ownership and pride. Locals aren’t just participants – They’re leaders in the effort to preserve their environment.

Looking ahead, the success of this pilot phase is just the beginning. The long-term goal is to expand this approach across the entire Kuruwitu region, creating a network of community-led conservation efforts. This model could also serve as an inspiration for other coastal communities around the world, proving that effective marine conservation is possible when local people are empowered to take charge.

A group of people wading in shallow water near a shoreline, with clear blue skies and gentle waves.
A diver wearing a snorkel and mask uses a hammer to work on underwater rocks covered with algae.

Oceans Alive Kenya and Pelorus Foundation are showing that when communities are given the right tools and knowledge, they can become powerful protectors of their own environment. This initiative is more than just a conservation project – it’s a movement that’s building a sustainable future for the Kuruwitu community, where the health of the ocean directly benefits the people who depend on it. By combining local knowledge with scientific training, this project is creating a new blueprint for marine conservation that could be replicated worldwide.

Supporting the communities restoring Kenya's Coasts

To learn more about our work with Oceans Alive Kenya, have a read below. 

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