Chapter 01
Our
Story
From 30 hectares of protected reef to a national model of community-led ocean governance. A story that belongs to the fishermen who started it.
The Beginning
From 30 Hectares
to a National Model
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.
Two Decades of Impact
Milestones That Matter
Community Action Begins
Kuruwitu community and founders took action to close an area from fishing, establishing Kenya's first community coastal conservation area (Tengefu) - a locally managed marine protected area that would become the model for national policy.
Model Proven with Data
15 years of data collection and community management deliver unprecedented results: 400% fish biomass increase within the Tengefu, 30% coral recovery, 17% seagrass restoration, and 135% household income improvement due to fish spillover effects.
Oceans Alive Foundation Established
Founders created an NGO to share the LMMA experience and tools, offering technical support to scale to 17 neighbouring fishing communities registered as Beach Management Units (BMUs) across Kilifi County.
UNDP Equator Prize
Kuruwitu CBO wins the 2017 IUCN Equator Award in recognition of community action to establish the LMMA. Community representatives traveled to New York to accept this prestigious global conservation award.
Coral Gardening Program Launched
Active coral restoration begins with community divers trained as reef gardeners. Since then, 15,000+ colonies have been transplanted onto 457 artificial reefs across 39 hectares of restored reef area.
Kenya's First Co-Management Plan
Establishment of the first officially endorsed Co-Managed Area (CMA) for Kuruwitu BMU under new BMU Regulations. Development of first 6-step toolkit and IUCN SAGE analysis - a policy landmark for Kenya.
IUCN Blue Champions Award
Kuruwitu CBO wins the 2022 IUCN Blue Champions Award, further cementing global recognition of the community-led conservation model pioneered on Kenya's north coast.
Royal Visit to Kuruwitu
His Majesty King Charles III visits Kuruwitu and places a coral restoration block into the water, bringing unprecedented international attention to community-led marine conservation in Kenya.
IUCN World Conservation Congress
Oceans Alive presents at IUCN 2025, showcasing the Kuruwitu model as a globally scalable blueprint. Featured in IUCN Panorama, Green Listing and Blue Wall - sharing lessons across the Western Indian Ocean region.
The Numbers Behind the Story
Years of Community-Led Impact
Hectares Under Co-Management
Coral Colonies Replanted Since 2019
Fish Biomass Increase in LMMA
Community Members Actively Engaged
LMMAs Inspired Across Kenya
Households Benefiting from Programs
Women in Income Programs
Continue reading: Learn about the mission and values that guide every programme.
Mission & Vision →