Tech4Nature project unveiled to monitor, protect coral reef at Kenyan coast

Under Huawei’s TECH4ALL initiative, the Tech4Nature project aims at enhancing conservation efforts through the use of technology. 

The project that will be implemented at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve in the Southern Coast of Kenya will enable monitoring and protection of coral reef in the Indian Ocean. 

The technological solution involves use of underwater cameras, photogrammetry, and audio technologies to monitor marine life, including the biomass and population of parrot fish – a key component of coral reef ecosystem. Due to their diet, parrot fish help prevent coral from being smothered by seaweed and algae. The solution will also monitor substrate cover in the reef ecosystems, seagrass cover, and the occurrence of green turtles and bottlenose dolphins, which are classified as endangered and vulnerable in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 

A trained Artificial Intelligence (AI) model will be used to recognize specific target species by sight or sound. This, Huawei says, will provide real-time data-driven insights into the behaviors, populations, and distribution of biodiversity in the reserve and reef ecosystem. The system will also be able to identify boats used for illegal fishing, and send alerts for rangers to intervene in near real time.

Huawei-Kenya and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) unveiled the partnership with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). 

Speaking during the launch, Huawei-Kenya’s Media Director, Khadija Mohammed Ahmed underscored the importance of leveraging on technology and innovation to solve pressing global challenges. 

“Climate change and biodiversity loss are threatening the health of our planet and placing our own longevity in a precarious position. However, advances in technology are offering humanity and our home a lifeline: innovative thinking and smart solutions are already helping to mitigate some of the world's most pressing environmental problems,” said Khadija.

Innocent Kabenga, the Country Representative of IUCN noted that the technology used in the Tech4Nature project will be first of its kind to be implemented in Kenya. 

“It will be the first monitoring instrument and data capturing and analysis in the marine protected area. It is also an opportunity to help the park to obtain green list certification to support sustainability agenda that most tourists like and as well as to ensure our future generation enjoy the benefits of the Marine parks,” said innocent.

The Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve grapples with illegal fishing and insufficient human resource to effectively patrol the area. 

There is a lack of remote monitoring of the reserve’s three coral islands coupled with pressures created by tourism, as the fringing reefs are popular diving sites. The community is also less informed on the importance of reef and biodiversity protection.

Adan Kala, the area Senior Assistant Director of KWS said the project will enable the government body to make data driven decisions on nature conservancy. 

“For us to deliver our mandate of protecting and conserving our wildlife both terrestrial and in the marine ecosystems, you have to understand your resources very well,” said Kala.