In a significant step towards enhancing research and capacity-building efforts in the wildlife sector, the Institute signed a Framework of Collaboration with African Conservation Centre (ACC).
The agreement was signed by Director, Dr. Patrick Omondi, and ACC Executive Director, Lucy Waruingi, marking a great move, that will see the two Institutions strengthening joint efforts in scientific research, training, and community engagement to advance wildlife conservation efforts.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Omondi noted it was a great milestone for the Institute, emphasizing the importance of collaborative research and training, which aligns with the Institute’s Strategic Pillars and the Strategic Plan (2023-2027).
“This partnership is a crucial step in ensuring that we leverage expertise and resources to enhance wildlife research outcomes. Through joint research projects, knowledge exchange, and capacity building, we can create lasting impact. Further, working with communities will ensure we align our mandate with government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),” he said.
Under the Framework of Collaboration, the Institute and ACC will engage in key initiatives, including; enhancing evidence-based decision-making processes in wildlife conservation and management; working towards a multidimensional biodiversity index (MBI) for Kenya that connects Biodiversity with People; developing and sustaining capacity through training and learning exchange programs; enabling a sustainable wildlife economy for Kenya and sustainable nature financing mechanisms for the joint program.
Dr Omondi also noted that other areas of future collaboration include the development of National Ecological Monitoring Protocols, establishment of a research hub in Amboseli ecosystem to advance research activities, strengthening initiatives in wildlife economy, and capacity building in grants writing.
Waruingi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the mutual benefits of the collaboration.
“ACC has a long history of working with communities and stakeholders to promote conservation-driven solutions. Partnering with the Institute will enable us to scale up our efforts in research and training, ensuring that scientific knowledge informs conservation policies and practices”, she said.
Also present in the meeting were Deputy Director- Research, Dr David Ndeereh, Corporation Secretary and Head of Legal Services, (Capt) Collins Wanderi, Head of Partnerships, Nelly Mukoko, ACC Research Associate, Henry Gandhi and Programmes Coordinator, Felister Ndunge among other staff.