The Institute marked a significant milestone in global conservation efforts through its participation in the Cumbres Blancas / Glacier Nation expedition to Mount Kenya held from June 20–23.
Representing the Institute was Head of Business Development and Marketing, Mr Simon Gitau, a conservationist and mountaineer, who was selected due to his past leadership at Mount Kenya National Park — the only alpine and montane park in Kenya that still hosts glaciers.
The expedition focused on raising awareness about the rapid retreat of tropical glaciers and the urgent need to preserve the fragile alpine ecosystems they support. Mount Kenya, home to the country’s only glaciers, has lost over 80% of its glacial coverage in the past century, threatening both biodiversity and the water security of millions of Kenyans who depend on glacier-fed rivers.
Mr. Gitau’s participation underscored the Institute’s growing role in supporting climate research, ecosystem restoration, and community-based conservation.
Drawing from his past leadership at Mount Kenya National Park, he shared key lessons on watershed protection, local stakeholder engagement, and the challenges of managing a protected alpine area in a warming world.
Cumbres Blancas / Glacier Nation, led by environmental advocate Marcela Fernández, brought together mountain guardians from around the world to document glacial retreat, promote ecological restoration, and build a global network of communities protecting high-altitude ecosystems.
The Institute’s involvement in this international initiative aligns with its commitment to advancing scientific research, addressing climate change, preserving Kenya’s natural heritage, and contributing to global efforts to safeguard critical ecosystems for future generations.