Objectives

ITCER e.V. and ITCER Kenya are non-profit partner organizations dedicated to advancing research, seminars, and outreach in Western Kenya and surrounding regions, through an international training centre. Learn more about our Location.

Background

Kenya’s rich biodiversity, comprising over 35,000 species of macroorganisms, along with numerous fungi and microorganisms, is crucial for the nation’s economy and well-being. However, these resources face increasing threats from unsustainable practices and climate change, leading to ecosystem degradation. ITCER addresses these challenges through environmental research, biodiversity documentation, practical learning, and support for sustainable resource management. Its work includes cooperation with local communities and public institutions, as well as the use of biodiversity information and species-distribution knowledge in land-use planning.

ITCER’s Role

ITCER provides seminars, project-linked training, and practical support for environmental research for individuals and groups in Kenya and neighboring countries. Its work includes biodiversity documentation, image-based monitoring, data mobilization including GBIF-related activities, and IT support for the processing, management, and use of environmental data. ITCER also supports sustainable resource use, community-related environmental activities, and the application of biodiversity information in land-use planning.

  • Facilitating environmental education and outreach programs.
  • Promoting conservation and sustainable resource use.
  • Supporting community development and sustainable agriculture.
  • Collaborating with related organizations and local initiatives.
  • Building capacity through training, research, and IT-supported documentation to improve local practices.

Environmental Science Research and Training

    • Biodiversity: Support sustainable resource management and ecosystem services through community engagement, documentation, and biodiversity data mobilization.
    • Climate Change: Collaborate with local governments and communities on regional strategies for resilience against climate impacts.
    • Sustainable Agriculture: Work with communities to advance and implement sustainable farming practices.
    • Renaturation: Support local communities and governments in their efforts to restore natural habitats and enhance biodiversity.
    • Community Development: Empower local communities, individuals, and groups through seminars, training, education, and support for sustainable initiatives.

Strategic Approaches

  • Engage in strategic partnerships and regional collaboration to support environmental and community efforts.
  • Develop a regional center for sharing information on environmental, climate, biodiversity, and IT-supported documentation topics.
  • Work with grassroots groups, public authorities, and other partners to support responsible practices and environmentally informed land-use planning.

Aims

ITCER seeks to support practical, research-linked learning and engagement in environmental management for individuals and groups, aligned with regional needs and sustainable development goals.

  1. Encourage networking among diverse actors to support sustainable development.
  2. Strengthen connections through dialogue, seminars, research support, and community initiatives.
  3. Focus on practical research, biodiversity documentation, GBIF-related data mobilization, and environmental IT to support biodiversity and climate resilience.

Members and Memberships

ITCER Kenya and ITCER e.V. members are drawn from research, education, conservation, and technical institutions in Kenya, Germany, and other countries. Additionally, members include professionals from partner organizations and independent fields of expertise, strengthening ITCER’s interdisciplinary approach to research, biodiversity documentation, information technology, and outreach.

ITCER works with local groups, partner institutions, and public authorities to foster collaboration and build stronger scientific, technical, and community connections.

Donors and funders include long-standing academic and institutional partners, expert-service organizations, and youth-oriented support initiatives.

ITCER e.V. and ITCER Kenya are also partners and members of other relevant organizations.

Kenyan government support includes partnerships with the County Government of Siaya, Kenya Forest Service, KEPHIS, NEMA, and the NGO Coordination Board Office. This cooperation also supports local environmental planning, including the use of biodiversity information and species-distribution knowledge for land-use planning.

Organizational Structure

ITCER is supported by partner organizations registered in Germany (e.V.) and Kenya as an international NGO. Both ITCER Kenya and ITCER e.V. have a board of directors composed of elected members from Kenya and other countries. A management committee, including the Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, oversees ITCER’s progress. The associations together include a network of professionals and collaborators who contribute to ITCER’s activities in research, documentation, information technology, and outreach, guided by the Executive Director.