Protect our ocean & safeguard livelihoods in Kenya

I am delighted to share our 2025 Impact Report with you, highlighting the incredible difference your generosity has made over the past year. Thanks to your support, Pelorus Foundation has continued to work together with our local community-based partner, Oceans Alive Kenya, helping to restore ocean biodiversity, protect coral reefs, and strengthen the livelihoods of coastal communities in Kuruwitu.

In the attached report you’ll find updates about our work with Oceans Alive on page nine, including the vital work being carried out with local fishermen and the women fishmongers known as the Mama Karangas.

Over the past year, your donations have helped strengthen the Mama Karangas’ Trash-for-Cash work, turning coastal waste into income while protecting key marine habitats. With your support, the women restored a cottage to serve as a base of operations, purchased a cart to collect and transport coastal waste, strengthened their weekly savings system, and pursued training to increase the value of recyclables. The initiative is growing and now engages over 100 women across neighbouring communities.

Additionally, the local team continues to care for the Kuruwitu Co-Managed Marine Protected Area, where since 2019 over 15,000 corals have now been planted and nurseries now hold 35 tables capable of producing around 12,000 juvenile corals from multiple species before they our planted onto artificial reef structures.  These coral gardens not only restore damaged reef habitat, but also creates a living classroom for local youth and communities to learn how reef recovery supports fish regeneration, livelihoods, and long-term ocean resilience.

I do hope you enjoy reading our full Impact Report and seeing the real difference your ongoing support is helping to achieve.  Your generosity is helping coastal communities protect the waters they depend on.

Thank you for your continuing support of Pelorus Foundation.

• 2025_Pelorus_Foundation_Impact_Report.pdf (PDF)
  

When this project began, supporters joined a commitment to coastal communities in Kuruwitu, where overfishing, climate change, and economic pressures threaten both marine life and family incomes. Thanks to your support, that commitment is already creating positive change, led by the women at the heart of the local fishing economy.

Strengthening livelihoods in a fragile environment

Mama Karangas, women fishmongers, play a vital yet often overlooked role in supplying fish along Kenya’s coast. As fish stocks decline, their livelihoods have become increasingly insecure. This project is strengthening women’s economic resilience while reinforcing their role as stewards of the marine environment.

So far, 50 women from Kuruwitu and neighbouring coastal communities have directly benefited, taking part in training, coordination meetings, and practical activities delivered with Pelorus Foundation's local project partner, Oceans Alive Kenya.

New skills, stronger incomes

To reduce reliance on dwindling fish stocks, a Trash 4 Cash scheme is helping women diversify their income while protecting the coastline. All 50 women received training in waste collection, sorting, and recycling, and 20 women completed advanced training in plastic recycling and upcycling. With access to tools, protective equipment, and a shared workspace, women are now earning supplementary income alongside fish vending, helping households cope with environmental and economic pressures.

Financial confidence has grown alongside skills. A revised group constitution and a village savings and loan association have strengthened leadership and accountability. As a result, weekly loan values increased from around USD 8 to USD 39, allowing women to invest more confidently in family needs and small businesses.

A hub for leadership and collaboration

An abandoned cottage has been transformed into a community headquarters and recycling workshop. This safe, weatherproof space supports meetings, training, and recycling activities, increasing participation and ownership. Signage, awareness materials, and branded T-shirts have also raised the profile of Mama Karangas as leaders in the community.

Protecting reefs through community action

Women and girls are actively collecting plastic and other waste from beaches and households, preventing pollution from entering the ocean and damaging fragile reef ecosystems. Beaches are cleaner, recyclable materials are being sorted for sale, and awareness of marine protection is growing.

“The Mama Karanga project is instrinsically linked to the health of the ocean. The Mama Karangas work hard with little recognition or reward. Without being aware of their true potential power, they are a crucial link in coast communities and make positive change for the environment and their community”. Des Bowden, Co-Founder Oceans Alive Kenya

This work supports the project’s long-term vision, empowering Mama Karangas to become guardians of sustainable fisheries. With your continued support, women are building stronger livelihoods, healthier seas, and a more sustainable future for Kenya’s coast.

Thank you for being part of this change.