The Institute for Culture and Ecology (ICE) was founded in 2006 out of a visible need to promote the inherent and natural role of culture in environmental and resource management in Kenya. ICE's vision is one of empowered communities harnessing indigenous knowledge for healthy people and ecosystems.

To this end, the founders of ICE have been involved in environmental work for ten years and ICE represents a consolidation of their experiences and passion for promoting traditional knowledge in environmental rehabilitation, conservation, and resource management. ICE is committed to buttressing traditional knowledge in community-based environmental and resource management initiatives and facilitating culture-based learning that would lead to the social and ecological well-being of the earth community. Their mission is to promote indigenous knowledge for environmental conservation and to enhance the livelihoods of local communities with regard to sustainable development.

Africa already has all the crops, storage systems and knowledge that it needs to grow itself out of poverty.Gathuru Mburu

ICE is well linked with like-minded organizations in Kenya, Africa and beyond who are pioneering innovative culture-based strategies and policy advocacy for recuperation, recognition and promotion of indigenous knowledge and practices relevant to environmental rehabilitation and management. Their strategies are informed by the current changes in climate and food scenarios on the ground, constant reflection on viable strategies to alleviate the deteriorating environmental situation and learning from current on-going work and the strengths of the organization.

A distinctive strategy for ICE is the recognition and promotion of traditional governance structures as vital elements in resource and environmental governance initiatives. To achieve their aim, strategic objectives include:

• Strengthening conservation of bio-cultural diversity and food security initiatives
• Promoting community reconstruction through alternative knowledge transfer
• Supporting research and advocacy initiatives
• Promoting community level climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Strengthening institutional development

For more information on the work of the Institute for Culture and Ecology:

The Kamburu Story and The Kamburu Story in Pictures

Mapping Sacred Sites on the Kathita River, Kenya

Contact details:

Contact: Gathuru Mburu

Address: Morgage House No. 65, PO Box 6270 - 01000, Thika, Kenya

Telphone: (+254) 67 22373

Mobile: (+254) 72 368 4523

Fax: +254 67 22338

Email: ice@ice.or.ke

Website: www.icekenya.org