Huawei and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have launched a project to protect coral reefs in Kenya.
The Tech4Nature project will monitor marine life at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve. This three-year initiative aims to improve conservation efforts through advanced technology.
The project addresses key challenges faced by the reserve. Illegal fishing and insufficient patrolling are major issues.
Additionally, tourism impacts and limited awareness of biodiversity protection are concerns. Weak communication networks further hinder effective monitoring.
“Tech4Nature is an expansive project under Huawei’s digital inclusion initiative, TECH4ALL,” said Khadija Mohamed, Director of Media and Government Relations at Huawei Kenya. “We look at ways to implement technology and innovation to improve global sustainability.”
New Technology Enhances Marine Monitoring
Underwater cameras and audio monitoring will track marine life and illegal activities. AI technology will analyze data on fish populations, coral cover, and the presence of endangered species.
Parrot fish populations will be closely monitored. These fish are essential for maintaining healthy coral reefs. The system will also track green turtles and bottlenose dolphins, both threatened species.
“The technology we are introducing is a groundbreaking development for marine conservation in Kenya,” said Innocent Kabenga, IUCN Kenya Country Representative. “It will assist the park in attaining IUCN Green List certification and support sustainability goals.”
Improved network connectivity will enable data transmission in real-time. Rangers will receive alerts for illegal fishing activities and can respond quickly. The project partners include Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI).
Community Involvement and Conservation Goals
The project includes outreach to educate communities about biodiversity and conservation. Data-driven insights will guide targeted conservation measures for the marine reserve.
“We are partnering with Huawei and IUCN to acquire data on marine mammals, corals, and fisheries,” said Adan Kala, Senior Assistant Director, Coast Conservation Area, KWS. “This technology helps us cover areas we couldn’t patrol every day and make informed decisions.”
The ultimate goal is for Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve to meet the IUCN Green List Standard. This certification ensures sustainable management of protected areas. Community awareness efforts aim to protect marine biodiversity for future generations.