Chapter 03 · Global Recognition
Recognised
By the World.
Every award, prize, and royal visit reflects the work of the fishing communities of Kilifi County - not just our organisation.
His Majesty King Charles III
Kuruwitu Marine Sanctuary · Kilifi, Kenya
His Majesty King Charles III personally visited the Kuruwitu project, launched a coral restoration block bearing his royal cypher into the waters, and endorsed the community-led conservation model to a global audience of millions.
“Royal endorsement carried the work of Kilifi's fishermen to every corner of the world.”
UNDP Equator Prize 2017
United Nations Development Programme
Awarded the prestigious UNDP Equator Prize for exemplary community-based approaches to conservation and sustainable development - placing Oceans Alive on the world stage of environmental leadership.
“One of the world's most recognised prizes for grassroots environmental action.”
IUCN Blue Champions Award 2022
International Union for Conservation of Nature
Kuruwitu CBO wins the 2022 IUCN Blue Champions Award, recognizing outstanding ocean conservation leadership and two decades of proven community-driven marine protection delivering 400% fish biomass increase and 30% coral recovery.
“Global recognition for champions protecting our ocean for future generations.”
United Nations Food Systems Game Changer
UN Food Systems Summit
Recognized as a Food System Game Changer for innovative community-led approaches linking ocean health, fisheries management, and food security in coastal communities.
World Economic Forum - Uplink Top Innovator
World Economic Forum
Selected as a top innovator by the World Economic Forum's UpLink platform for scalable ocean conservation solutions.
IUCN World Conservation Congress
International Union for Conservation of Nature
Presented the Kuruwitu community co-management model as a globally scalable blueprint for marine governance at the world's largest conservation forum.
Kenya's First Ocean Co-Management Plan
Government of Kenya · Ministry of Blue Economy
Establishment of the first officially endorsed Co-Managed Area (CMA) for Kuruwitu BMU under the new BMU Regulations. Development of the first 6-step toolkit for establishment of a BMU and IUCN SAGE analysis - placing 12,000 hectares under legally recognized community stewardship.
World Fisheries Day · National Exhibition
Mombasa · Cabinet Secretary for Blue Economy
Exhibited collaborative marine conservation at the national World Fisheries Day event in Mombasa, in attendance with Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Blue Economy & Maritime Affairs.
International Partnerships
Canon CENA · Coral Guardian · UK Government · AMG
Active partnerships with Canon Central & North Africa, Coral Guardian, Platcorp Foundation, UK Government (FCDO), and Athlete Media Group - ensuring world-class expertise supports community-led action.
“These awards don't belong to Oceans Alive.
They belong to the communities of Kilifi.”
- Desmond Bowden, Founder
Continue reading: Meet the organisations partnering with us to protect Kenya's ocean.
Our Partners →