Canon’s World Unseen 2.0 expands into East Africa with Oceans Alive Foundation

Building on the success of Canon’s EMEA launch of World Unseen 2.0, Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is bringing the initiative to East Africa through a partnership with Kenya’s Oceans Alive Foundation.

This regional chapter shows Canon’s commitment to protecting coral reefs one of the most important ecosystems on Earth.

Coral reefs support 25% of marine life, protect coastlines, and provide food and income for millions of people in coastal communities.

What is World Unseen?

World Unseen is a project that helps people experience visual stories in new ways.

It was first designed to allow people with poor eyesight to enjoy art and photography using sound, touch, and descriptions.

Now, the project is being used to highlight environmental issues, such as coral reef conservation. Canon wants to “make the unseen seen,” letting more people understand and care for the environment.

Over half of the world’s coral reefs have disappeared in the last 30 years due to rising sea temperatures, pollution, overfishing, sedimentation, and disease.

The loss of reefs affects people too, because healthy oceans are important for human health, food, and income.

The East Africa chapter focuses on science-based restoration, community education, and the use of imaging technology to monitor reef recovery over time.

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.”

Strengthening Community Conservation

Canon has already worked with Nature Seychelles and Coral Spawning International to create the first coral breeding facility in the Western Indian Ocean.

Now, the East Africa chapter will strengthen local reef conservation in Kenya through Oceans Alive Foundation.

Together, Canon and Oceans Alive will involve local communities, expand reef restoration, and share knowledge to help reefs recover faster.

Canon’s approach is guided by its philosophy of Kyosei, meaning “living and working together for the common good.”

The program combines science, restoration work, education, and visual storytelling.

In Kenya, it will train youth, engage communities, and use photography and videos to document reef health, helping people take ownership of protecting the ocean.

The program will also provide measurable results for both the environment and local communities, supporting Canon’s sustainability goals under its Future of the Planet initiative.

What the leaders say

“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,” Des Bowden, Founder of Oceans Alive Foundation, said.

“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.”

Community-led Reef Restoration

Founded in 2018 in Kuruwitu, Oceans Alive is one of Kenya’s leading community-driven marine conservation groups. Its main goal is to restore damaged reefs and improve the well-being of coastal communities that rely on healthy oceans for food and income.

Oceans Alive has restored many reef patches in Kuruwitu and Kenya’s North Coast, planted thousands of coral fragments, and worked with local Beach Management Units to promote sustainable fishing.

Community members trained in reef monitoring and restoration now lead projects that have increased fish populations, strengthened reef structures, and improved local livelihoods.

Canon will provide nursery tables and reef infrastructure to plant thousands more coral fragments. The project also includes careful scientific monitoring and transparent reporting to track progress accurately.

Imaging Technology for Science and Education

Canon is supplying PowerShot G7 X Mark III and EOS R8 cameras, underwater housings, and special lighting to capture coral growth, bleaching events, fish populations, and overall reef health.

These images will help scientists measure coral survival and ecosystem recovery.

Canon will also provide professional printing tools so Oceans Alive can turn research images into educational materials for schools, community groups, and visitors.

Canon and Oceans Alive will run workshops and programs to help youth and community members create digital content about reef conservation.

Underwater photography, conservation lessons, and media projects through Canon Academy will allow young people to document Kenya’s marine environment accurately and visually.

The World Unseen program supports Canon’s vision for Africa by helping reefs recover, strengthening community stewardship, and empowering local conservation leaders.

By turning science into visual stories, the initiative encourages learning, engagement, and action, helping people understand, care for, and protect Kenya’s marine ecosystems.

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