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) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is
expanding the initiative into East Africa in collaboration with
Kenya’s Oceans Alive Foundation. This regional chapter reflects
Canon’s commitment to supporting the protection of coral reefs—one
of the most vital ecosystems on Earth, sustaining 25% of marine life,
protecting coastlines, and contributing to the food security and
wellbeing of millions across coastal communities.
Over half of the world’s coral reefs have disappeared in the last
three decades as a result of rising sea temperatures, pollution,
overfishing, sedimentation and widespread disease. This decline has
direct consequences for people, as ocean biodiversity plays a critical
role in human health and wellbeing. In response to these growing
pressures, the East Africa chapter places strong emphasis on science-led
restoration, community capacity building and imaging-enabled monitoring
to support long-term ecosystem recovery and resilience.
Building on Canon’s partnership with Nature Seychelles and Coral
Spawning International to establish the first coral breeding facility in
the Western Indian Ocean, the East Africa chapter further strengthens
community-led conservation along Kenya’s fragile coastline through its
collaboration with Oceans Alive Foundation. Together, the partners will
drive local engagement, expand restoration work and support knowledge
transfer to enhance reef recovery.
Guided by Canon’s philosophy of Kyosei, meaning “living and working
together for the common good”, the programme builds scientific
capacity, expands restoration efforts and empowers coastal communities
through education and visual storytelling. The Kenya launch brings
together conservation science, imaging technology and community
engagement. Through restoration work, youth training and imaging-led
documentation, the project aims to build local ownership of marine
protection and support wider ecosystem recovery. Additionally, the
programme will deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes,
aligned with Canon’s Future of the Planet pillar and broader
sustainability goals.
Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa,
said: ‘The World Unseen in Kenya reflects our commitment to practical,
science-based conservation that empowers communities. Paired with Oceans
Alive’s local leadership, Canon’s imaging expertise will enable
precise monitoring, credible storytelling, and stronger reef recovery
efforts.’
Des Bowden, Founder of Oceans Alive Foundation, added: “We started in
Kuruwitu with a bold 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 invisible 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 Alive 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 systems – 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 Kenya’s marine environment
with scientific accuracy and visually compelling narratives.
Purpose-Led Impact for People and Planet
‘The World Unseen’ advances Canon’s long-term vision for Africa by
driving ecological recovery, strengthening community stewardship, and
elevating local conservation leaders.
By turning ocean science into engaging visual stories, ‘World
Unseen’ invites people to learn, engage, and 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
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com
APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com
About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a
division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon
Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to
enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening
Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates
Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting
their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15
years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a
solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high
quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of
Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA
manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/4rQGKpF
) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA
pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own
environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using
Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers,
constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through
our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what
is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have
before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because
when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.
For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com
