KOBE, Japan – The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has won global recognition after its mangrove restoration initiative clinched the top prize at the 2025 International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) Sustainability Awards held in Kobe, Japan.
The “Mangrove Restoration for Ocean Protection and Increased Forest Cover” project triumphed in the Environmental Care category, beating hundreds of entries from across the world.
It was among three winning projects from Africa, alongside entries from Ghana and Benin, selected out of a record 516 submissions.
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto said the award was not only a great honour for the authority but also a powerful affirmation of its environmental stewardship and partnership with coastal communities.
“Our Mangrove Restoration for Ocean Protection project is far more than just growing mangroves — it’s about survival and livelihoods,” said Capt. Ruto. “We have witnessed immense benefits, including revived fish stocks and new economic opportunities through sustainable ventures such as seaweed and fish farming.”
The project focuses on rehabilitating degraded mangrove forests along Kenya’s coast in collaboration with local communities, helping restore biodiversity while boosting economic resilience.
According to KPA, the initiative has led to healthier coastal ecosystems, improved breeding grounds for fish, lobsters, and prawns, and better livelihoods for local residents.
The authority said the recognition follows a rigorous judging process by IAPH’s independent panel of global experts, coupled with a successful public vote campaign that drew wide support for the Kenyan initiative.
KPA noted that the win affirms the success of its Green Ports Policy, which seeks to transform the country’s ports into eco-friendly hubs aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The project demonstrated how ports can collaborate with local communities and government agencies to empower people while conserving the environment and marine biodiversity for sustainable port operations,” the authority said in a statement.
Beyond mangrove rehabilitation, KPA is also transitioning to renewable energy, adopting green technologies in port modernization, reducing carbon emissions, and safeguarding marine ecosystems as part of its broader sustainability strategy.
The IAPH Sustainability Awards celebrate outstanding projects that integrate the UN SDGs into port operations.
They fall under six categories: digitalisation, infrastructure, health, safety and security, community building, climate and energy, and environmental care.
Other 2025 winners included ports from South Korea, Japan, and Belgium’s Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
KPA previously won the IAPH award in 2019 for its Tunahusika Corporate Social Investment project under the Community Building category.
