Our Story
Our
Story
From 30 hectares of protected reef to a national model of community-led ocean governance. A story that begins with and still belongs to the fishers who started it.
The Beginning
What began as a small community conservation area in Kuruwitu has grown into one of Kenya's best-known examples of community-led marine stewardship.
From 30 hectares of protected reef, the model has expanded along the coast, demonstrating that when communities are given the tools and authority to manage their marine resources, conservation can strengthen livelihoods, restore ecosystems and shape policy.
Today, Oceans Alive continues to build on those foundations, working with communities, government and partners to create healthier oceans and more resilient coastal communities.
Our Journey
Reimagining Marine Conservation through community leadership on Kenya's Coast
In the late 1990s, coral bleaching devastated Kenya's reefs and fish stocks collapsed. In response, Kuruwitu's residents and fishing community united to build a partnership which formed the Kuruwitu Conservation and Welfare Association in 2003 (now the Kuruwitu Conservation and Welfare CBO). In 2006 Kuruwitu-CBO established one of Kenya's earliest community-driven Locally Managed Marine Areas; a 30-hectare no-take sanctuary governed under traditional law, known as a tengefu. The success at Kuruwitu has been founded on collective action and partnerships driven by the common good.
Oceans Alive and the Kuruwitu-CBO work as distinct partners in a shared mission. The Kuruwitu-CBO manages the sanctuary and local community welfare, while Oceans Alive provides technical, scientific, and institutional support to help scale these locally led successes.
Over roughly 15 years of community management, the sanctuary delivered measurable recovery and recorded a 400% increase in fish biomass, 30% reef recovery and 17% seagrass regrowth (WCS monitoring data). A 135% improvement in catch in surrounding waters was recorded and noted as the spill-over effect, proving the importance of a working, community-owned model.
In 2016, Oceans Alive was established as a separate organisation to help document and share the lessons of this community-led model. Working with the Kuruwitu BMU, the KCW-CBO, government agencies and technical partners, Oceans Alive has supported the development of the 120 km² Kuruwitu Co-Management Area and the growth of the Kilifi County BMU Network of 17 BMUs, as a facilitator and technical partner.
Community Action
Kuruwitu fishers form the Kuruwitu Conservation and Welfare Association (KCWA), later the KCW-CBO.
One of Kenya's Earliest LMMAs
The community closes a 30-ha area from fishing, establishing the Tengefu — one of Kenya's earliest community-driven Locally Managed Marine Areas.
Community Management & Ecological Recovery
Community management with loan schemes, alternative livelihoods, peer visits and data collection. Around 15 years of monitoring shows 400% fish biomass increase, 30% reef recovery, 17% seagrass regrowth (WCS data).
UNDP Equator Prize
The KCW-CBO is awarded the UNDP Equator Prize for community-run marine resource management.
IUCN Blue Champions Award
The KCW-CBO receives the IUCN Blue Champions Award.
Oceans Alive Established
Oceans Alive established as a separate organisation to document, support and share community-led marine conservation.
Supporting Co-Management Development
Support to the development of the Kuruwitu Co-Management Area with the Kuruwitu BMU and government.
First Officially Endorsed CMA
Kuruwitu CMA officially endorsed under the BMU Regulations; Kilifi County BMU Network (17 BMUs) endorsed; first IUCN SAGE analysis in Kenya.
Royal Visit
His Majesty King Charles III visits Kuruwitu and places a coral-restoration unit, drawing international attention to community-led conservation.
Expansion & Partnerships
Expansion to the KAMAMKUKI Joint Co-Management Area and continued partnerships under the 2024–2028 Strategy.
Continue reading: Learn about the mission and values that guide every programme.
Mission & Vision →