A partnership between Canon Europe, Nature Seychelles and Coral Spawning International (CSI) that merges conservation, science, and technology to boost coral reef restoration in Seychelles has gained international acclaim, with Canon winning the Tech & AI Award at the Global Sustainability Awards 2026, held in London on September 8th.
Canon earned this recognition for its innovative imaging technology and vital role in assisting coral reef restoration in Seychelles.
Coral Spawning Lab at ARC, Praslin Island (Photo: CANON EMEA)
In 2025, Canon partnered with Nature Seychelles and CSI to establish the first coral spawning lab in Seychelles and the region at Nature Seychelles’ Assisted Recovery of Corals (ARC) facility in Praslin.
Through its World Unseen: Coral Matchmaking initiative, Canon supplied high-resolution cameras, macro lenses, and specialized equipment for photomicrography and photogrammetry. Scientists harness this technology to observe, document, and deepen their understanding of the initial stages of coral development, paving the way for innovative reef restoration methods in the face of a rapidly changing climate.
The technology is part of a trailblazing effort by Nature Seychelles to push coral restoration beyond the conventional methods of coral gardening to produce genetically diverse corals that are more resilient in a shifting climate.
Sexual reproduction allows for the propagation of corals through spawning and fertilization (Photo: Carmen Law)
Unlike the conventional approach of using fragments from existing coral colonies, sexual reproduction allows for the propagation of corals through spawning and fertilization. This method opens up opportunities to work with a broader range of coral species, which is vital as coral reefs confront mounting pressures from rising ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves.
In November 2025, Nature Seychelles and CSI made history by successfully documenting ex-situ coral spawning for the first time in Seychelles and the broader Western Indian Ocean region at the lab.
“We’re honoured that this collaboration has been recognised, but even more excited by what it represents: innovation, science and conservation coming together to create meaningful impact for our oceans. A huge thank you to our partners and to the team at Sustainability LIVE for this recognition,” Canon said in a LinkedIn post.
Innovation, science and conservation coming together
“We are absolutely delighted that work taking place here in Seychelles is yet again in the international spotlight,” said Dr Nirmal Shah, CEO of Nature Seychelles.
“When Canon, Coral Spawning International and Nature Seychelles began working together, we dared to dream that the solutions developed here would help save coral reefs. The challenges facing reefs in Seychelles are part of a global crisis. We need innovative ways to monitor, protect and restore our marine environment. Canon has brought technological expertise and a strong commitment to sustainability to this partnership, helping us turn dreams into action.
“This award recognises that Eureka moment when technology, science, conservation and leadership are blended into a superpower. It gives us tremendous momentum to keep our pedal to the metal. There is no time to lose; it is now or never for coral reefs.” – Dr Nirmal Shah
The Global Sustainability Awards, hosted by Sustainability Magazine and BizClik, shine a spotlight on organizations and leaders making a real difference in environmental and social impact.
(Top image: CANON EMEA on LinkedIn)