The Kenya Ports Authority's "Mangrove Restoration for Ocean Protection and increased forest cover project" has emerged the winner of the 2025 International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) Sustainability Awards. The announcement was made during the Gala dinner awards ceremony at the ongoing IAPH World Ports Conference in Kobe, Japan.
This comes after a meticulous judging process by IAPH's independent jury of industry experts and KPA's well calculated public vote campaign to galvanize support for the project. The KPA project topped in the Environmental Care category after beating two other finalists from a record-breaking pool of 500 global submissions.
The award recognizes KPA’s innovative collaboration with coastal communities to restore degraded forest ecosystems. Mangrove Restoration for Ocean Protection impressed the judges after demonstrating how ports' collaboration with local communities and other government agencies can help empower communities and support the conservation of the environment and marine biodiversity for sustainable port operations.
Under the program, KPA has collaborated closely with the communities in the coastal region to rehabilitate degraded mangroves. The impact has resulted in expanded mangrove cover and a healthier coastal ecosystem, creating ideal conditions for fish breeding, leading to an increase of lobsters and prawns, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic well-being of the communities.
The initiative forms a key pillar of the Green Ports Policy; a strategic blueprint adopted by the Authority to advance and implement sustainable port management. The policy, which is a strategic framework for eco-conscious port operations, aligns Kenya’s maritime sector with international climate commitments, ensuring economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental health.
The GPP is designed to integrate Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) principles into KPA’s operations, reinforcing Kenya’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The policy also targets the transition to renewable energy sources, modernization of port infrastructure with green technology, cutting carbon emissions through innovative solutions, and the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems.
In his acceptance speech after receiving the award, KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto expressed delight saying the accolade was a great honor for KPA. He added that this was a testament to the Authority’s sustainability efforts and a reminder of the immense responsibility the Authority carries as environment's guardian.
"Our Mangrove Restoration for Ocean Protection project is far more than just growing mangroves- it is about survival and livelihoods. We have witnessed the immense benefits which includes revived fish stocks and new economic opportunities for our communities, with men and women engaged in sustainable ventures like seaweed and fish farming.’’ The MD reiterated KPA’s resolve to transform ports into eco-friendly hubs that power the economic growth of East Africa and the entire continent through the implementation of the Green Ports Policy alongside the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The World Ports Sustainability Program run by IAPH enhances and coordinates future sustainability efforts of ports worldwide and fosters international cooperation with partners in the supply chain.