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Huawei and the IUCN Launch Tech4Nature in Kenya

On January 11, 2025, a significant initiative was unveiled in Nairobi, Kenya, as Huawei, in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the local partner, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), launched the Tech4Nature project. This ambitious program aims to enhance the monitoring and protection of coral reefs and marine biodiversity within the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve.

A New Approach to Conservation

The Tech4Nature project, aligned with Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative and the IUCN Green List, is set to run for three years. The primary focus is to bolster the management and efficiency of conservation efforts in the protected area located along the southern coast of Kenya. Facing challenges such as illegal fishing, insufficient patrolling capabilities, limited community awareness about the importance of safeguarding coral reefs, and inadequate communication infrastructure, this project aims to tackle these pressing issues head-on.

Khadija Mohamed, Huawei Kenya's Director of Media and Government Relations, emphasized the significance of this project: "Tech4Nature represents a monumental step within our commitment to integrating technology and innovation to elevate global standards and foster a sustainable lifestyle worldwide."

Innovative Technological Deployment

The project incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including underwater cameras, photogrammetry, and audio monitoring tools, to track marine life. These innovations will facilitate the observation of vital species such as the parrotfish, a crucial element in preventing coral suffocation by algae due to its dietary habits. Additionally, the solution will monitor seagrass coverage, turtle populations, and the presence of vulnerable species such as green turtles and dolphins.

Innocent Kabenga, the IUCN's national representative in Kenya, remarked, "The technology we're introducing is revolutionary for marine conservation in Kenya. It will serve as an essential tool for data collection, analysis, and management within this protected marine area. Moreover, this innovation could pave the way for the park to gain IUCN Green List certification, appealing to sustainability-conscious tourists and ensuring that future generations can enjoy our marine parks."

Real-Time Data for Better Decision-Making

One of the notable aspects of this initiative is the use of artificial intelligence trained to identify specific target species based on visual or auditory cues. This will enable real-time data collection regarding behaviors, populations, and biodiversity distribution within the reserve's ecosystem. The system will also help identify vessels engaged in illegal fishing and issue alerts for timely intervention from park rangers.

A digital feeding solution alongside improved network connectivity will ensure rapid data transmission to a cloud server for AI analysis. This project will be executed in partnership with KWS and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), allowing for targeted conservation action based on data gathered.

Community Engagement and Future Goals

To uphold its mission of protecting terrestrial and marine wildlife, accurate knowledge of resources is crucial. The collaboration with Huawei and the IUCN aims to deploy underwater cameras for gathering data on marine mammals, coral reefs, and fisheries, enabling well-informed decisions. Adan Kala, the Principal Assistant Director at KWS, emphasized the advantage of this technology: "It allows us to monitor wider areas that cannot be patrolled daily, capturing data day and night and informing critical decisions."

Further, the project plans to engage local communities by raising awareness about changing biodiversity and the presence of various species, including those that are endangered, vulnerable, or extinct. The overall goal is to achieve IUCN Green List certification for the reserve, marking a significant achievement in conservation.

About Tech4Nature and TECH4ALL

The global partnership Tech4Nature, launched in 2020 by Huawei and the IUCN, aims to amplify conservation success through technological innovation. In alignment with Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative, Tech4Nature supports various flagship projects across several countries, addressing unique conservation challenges. For more details, one can visit Tech4Nature's website.

Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative is a long-term action plan focused on digital inclusion, leveraging innovative technologies and partnerships to facilitate sustainable participation in the digital world. More information can be found at Huawei TECH4ALL. Follow their updates on X.