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Balancing Biodiversity and Sustainable Development

For over 50 years, we’ve pioneered conservation in Amboseli. Our mission brings communities together to develop land use practices that improve livelihoods while keeping the ecosystem healthy for people and wildlife.

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Our Mission & Vision

To generate open-access ecological and social data that supports community decision-making and builds resilience in the Amboseli landscape.

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Balancing Biodiversity and Sustainable Development

For over 50 years, we’ve pioneered conservation in Amboseli. Our mission brings communities together to develop land use practices that improve livelihoods while keeping the ecosystem healthy for people and wildlife.

Get Started

Video Credit : Mark Manongdo

Our mission aims to bring together the communities and organizations of Amboseli to develop land use practices that improve the livelihoods and well-being through the coexistence of people and wildlife. 

Our Team

Excellence
Through Teamwork

Meet the dynamic individuals committed to achieving excellence,
driving results, and exceeding expectations in all that we do.

Our Team

Excellence
Through Teamwork

Meet the dynamic individuals committed to achieving excellence, driving results, and exceeding expectations in all that we do.

Dr. David Western

Founder & Chairman
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Dr. Victor N. Mose

Deputy Director
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Mr. David Maitumo

Senior Resource Accessor
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Ms. Winfridah Kemunto

Database Administrator
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Mr. Sakimba Kimiti

Assistant Researcher
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Ms. Immaculate Ombongi

Data Analyst
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Mr. Paul Kasaine

Resource Accessor
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Sunte Kimiti

Resource Accessor
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Samson Lekanaiya

Resource Accessor
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Dr. David Western

Founder & Chairman
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Dr. Victor N. Mose

Deputy Director
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Mr. David Maitumo

Senior Resource Accessor
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Ms. Winfridah Kemunto

Database Administrator
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Mr. Sakimba Kimiti

Assistant Researcher
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Ms. Immaculate Ombongi

Data Analyst
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Mr. Paul Kasaine

Resource Accessor
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Sunte Kimiti

Resource Accessor
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Samson Lekanaiya

Resource Accessor
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Our Programs

Our Goals &
Objectives

Since its inception, Amboseli Conservation Program has strived to conserve Amboseli’s wildlife and its ecosystem to the benefit of its people  based on the following goals:

Conduct research on African Ecosystems

Developing tools for identifying threats to the Biodiversity

Develop conservation policies and practices that benefit local communities

Build local and national consensus and capacity for conservation

Promote sound environmental governance and practices

Ecosystem News
& Insights

Our Ecosystem News section keeps stakeholders updated on Amboseli’s dynamic environment. These insights support evidence-based conservation decisions and inform community action.

Amboseli Ecosystem Outlook Report (July 2025)

  • David Western, Victor N. Mose & The ACP Team

Forage is abundant after heavy rains (late-2024/May-2025). Wildlife and livestock have recovered from the 2023 drought, cattle prices are high, and the dry season outlook is strong.

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Horizontal Learning Involving Local Communities

  • Victor Mose

Project MOSAIC showcases horizontal learning that brings Maasai herders and scientists together to co-design climate preparedness research.

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First Issue of Eseriani: A Magazine on Well-being and One Health (Biotisho)

  • The ACP Team

Introducing Eseriani, a new magazine on well-being through One Health (Biotisho), grounded in Maasai ideas of peace and the links between people, animals, and the environment.

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Long-Term Vegetation Changes in the Amboseli Basin

  • David Western, David Maitumo, Victor N. Mose, Julius Muriuki and Glen P. Mitema

Six decades of mapping show fever trees declining due to elephants, creating grassland. Human pressure now rivals rainfall in shaping vegetation.

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Amboseli ecosystem outlook-current situation report

  • David Western, Victor N. Mose and The ACP Team

Prolonged Oct to Dec 2024 rains and heavy January downpours produced abundant pasture, lifting livestock and wildlife condition, milk yields, and cattle prices.

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Launch of One Health Questionnaire Survey in Amboseli Ecosystem

  • Victor Mose

ACP and ACC launched a 330-household survey in Amboseli, combining ground interviews with GEDI satellite data, and will add women assessors and a NASA-funded weather station.

Read More

Our Mission & Vision

For over 50 years, we’ve pioneered conservation in Amboseli. Our mission brings communities together to develop land use practices that improve livelihoods while keeping the ecosystem healthy for people and wildlife.

Our Team

Mr. Sakimba
Kimiti

Assistant Researcher

  • Amboseli Ecosystem Monitoring
  • Nairobi, Kenya

Sakimba is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Lyon 2 in France. He previously worked as an Assistant Researcher for the Amboseli Conservation Program.

He holds a Bachelor of Science (Wildlife Management and Conservation) degree from the University of Nairobi and  a Master of Science degree in Range Management from the same University.

Prior to joining the ACP, he worked as an Ecological Assistant at South Rift Land Owners Association. At ACP, he is involved in projects dealing with the Dynamics of Predation on Spatial -temporal Basis and in Human Ecology.

His other interests include: GIS, remote sensing, satellite imagery, ecological monitoring, land use change and ecosystem vulnerability.

Our Team

Mr. Sakimba
Kimiti

Assistant Researcher

Sakimba is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Lyon 2 in France. He previously worked as an Assistant Researcher for the Amboseli Conservation Program.

He holds a Bachelor of Science (Wildlife Management and Conservation) degree from the University of Nairobi and  a Master of Science degree in Range Management from the same University.

Prior to joining the ACP, he worked as an Ecological Assistant at South Rift Land Owners Association. At ACP, he is involved in projects dealing with the Dynamics of Predation on Spatial -temporal Basis and in Human Ecology.

His other interests include: GIS, remote sensing, satellite imagery, ecological monitoring, land use change and ecosystem vulnerability.

Our Team

Ms. Winfridah
Kemunto

Database Administrator

  • Amboseli Ecosystem Monitoring
  • Nairobi, Kenya

Winfridah  is the  Amboseli Conservation Program’s database Administrator. She has a certificate from Pitman Training Institute and vast experience in working with big data that involve database management,  basic analysis, digital library, data mining and  data visualization.

Her interests include spatial data mining and presentation.  Before Joining ACP, she worked  as a data clerk at South Rift Land Owners Association (SORALO).

Our Team

Ms. Winfridah
Kemunto

Database Administrator

Winfridah  is the  Amboseli Conservation Program’s database Administrator. She has a certificate from Pitman Training Institute and vast experience in working with big data that involve database management,  basic analysis, digital library, data mining and  data visualization.

Her interests include spatial data mining and presentation.  Before Joining ACP, she worked  as a data clerk at South Rift Land Owners Association (SORALO).

Our Team

Mr. David
Maitumo

Field Officer/ Data Collector

  • Amboseli Ecosystem Monitoring
  • Nairobi, Kenya

David has been working in Amboseli as the ACP field officer since 1977. As a member of the local Maasai community in the Amboseli area, David brings a unique perspective to the program.

His rich understanding of the interaction of people, livestock, and wildlife, and the challenges facing conservation in human landscapes, enriches his key roles in the design of field experiments and long term data collection and monitoring.

Our Team

Mr. David
Maitumo

Field Officer/ Data Collector

David has been working in Amboseli as the ACP field officer since 1977. As a member of the local Maasai community in the Amboseli area, David brings a unique perspective to the program.

His rich understanding of the interaction of people, livestock, and wildlife, and the challenges facing conservation in human landscapes, enriches his key roles in the design of field experiments and long term data collection and monitoring.

Our Team

Dr. David
Western

Founder & Chairman

  • Amboseli Ecosystem Monitoring
  • Nairobi, Kenya

Dr. David Western, known as Jonah, began research into savannas ecosystems at Amboseli in 1967, looking at the interactions of humans and wildlife.

His work, unbroken since then, has served as a barometer of changes in the savannas and test of conservation solutions based on the continued coexistence of people and wildlife.

Jonah is currently chairman of the African Conservation Centre, Nairobi. He directed Wildlife Conservation Society programs internationally, established Kenya’s Wildlife Planning Unit, chaired the World Conservation Union’s African Elephant and Rhino Specialist Group, and was founding president of The International Ecotourism Society, chairman of the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya, director of Kenya Wildlife Service, and founder of the African Conservation Centre in Nairobi.

He is an adjunct professor in Biology at the University of California, San Diego.

Western’s publications include;

Conservation for the Twenty-first Century (OUP, 1989), Natural Connections: Perspectives in Community-based Conservation (Island Press, 1994) and In the Dust of Kilimanjaro (Shearwater, 2001).

He is presently conducting a study on climate change in the Kenya-Tanzania borderlands in collaboration with University of California San Diego, University of York, Missouri Botanical Gardens, and African Conservation Centre.

Our Team

Dr. David
Western

Founder & Chairman

Dr. David Western, known as Jonah, began research into savannas ecosystems at Amboseli in 1967, looking at the interactions of humans and wildlife.

His work, unbroken since then, has served as a barometer of changes in the savannas and test of conservation solutions based on the continued coexistence of people and wildlife.

Jonah is currently chairman of the African Conservation Centre, Nairobi. He directed Wildlife Conservation Society programs internationally, established Kenya’s Wildlife Planning Unit, chaired the World Conservation Union’s African Elephant and Rhino Specialist Group, and was founding president of The International Ecotourism Society, chairman of the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya, director of Kenya Wildlife Service, and founder of the African Conservation Centre in Nairobi.

He is an adjunct professor in Biology at the University of California, San Diego.

Western’s publications include;

Conservation for the Twenty-first Century (OUP, 1989), Natural Connections: Perspectives in Community-based Conservation (Island Press, 1994) and In the Dust of Kilimanjaro (Shearwater, 2001).

He is presently conducting a study on climate change in the Kenya-Tanzania borderlands in collaboration with University of California San Diego, University of York, Missouri Botanical Gardens, and African Conservation Centre.

Our Team

Dr. Victor N.
Mose

Deputy Director & Head of Bio-statistical Services

  • Amboseli Conservation Program
  • Nairobi, Kenya

Dr. Victor N. Mose is the Deputy Director and Head of Biostatistical Services. He was awarded a PhD in Biomathematics by the University of Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC), Paris VI, France in 2013.

He has a Masters in bio-statistics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya and a Bachelors degree in Mathematics from the same University.

He also holds a financial mathematics qualification from the Institute of Actuaries, London, UK.

Victor is experienced in ecological modeling, bio-informatics, and geographical information systems (GIS).

His research interests include Population dynamics, migration modelling, Bayesian spatial analysis, ecosystem services and economics modelling, together with biodiversity mapping.

Victor’s publications include;

Mose, V.N., Nguyen-Huu, T., Auger, P., Western, D. 2012. Modelling herbivore population dynamics in the Amboseli National Park, Kenya: Application of spatial aggregation of variables to derive a master model. Ecological Complexity, 10, 42-51.

Our Team

Dr. Victor N.
Mose

Deputy Director & Head of Bio-statistical Services

Dr. Victor N. Mose is the Deputy Director and Head of Biostatistical Services. He was awarded a PhD in Biomathematics by the University of Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC), Paris VI, France in 2013.

He has a Masters in bio-statistics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya and a Bachelors degree in Mathematics from the same University.

He also holds a financial mathematics qualification from the Institute of Actuaries, London, UK.

Victor is experienced in ecological modeling, bio-informatics, and geographical information systems (GIS).

His research interests include Population dynamics, migration modelling, Bayesian spatial analysis, ecosystem services and economics modelling, together with biodiversity mapping.

Victor’s publications include;

Mose, V.N., Nguyen-Huu, T., Auger, P., Western, D. 2012. Modelling herbivore population dynamics in the Amboseli National Park, Kenya: Application of spatial aggregation of variables to derive a master model. Ecological Complexity, 10, 42-51.

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At ICoSS, we believe that those who live closest to the land are best positioned to observe and respond to environmental changes. Our community monitoring initiatives train and support local individuals—pastoralists, farmers, youth, and women—to systematically collect and interpret data on key environmental indicators. This participatory approach ensures that conservation efforts are grounded in local knowledge and responsive to real-time conditions.

Pasture condition maps help herders agree on grazing rotations.

How Community Monitoring Works

1. Community-Centric Data Collection

We train local community members to systematically collect data on key environmental indicators such as rainfall, vegetation cover, and wildlife populations. This participatory approach ensures that data is grounded in local context and relevance.

2. Accessible Information Platforms

Collected data is processed and shared through user-friendly platforms, including mobile applications and community notice boards, ensuring that information is accessible to all stakeholders.

3. Collaborative Learning Forums

Regular workshops and forums bring together community members, scientists, and policymakers to discuss findings, share experiences, and co-develop strategies for sustainable land management.

Interactive Data Visualization

An interactive dashboard allows users to explore real-time data collected by community monitors. Users can filter information by region, time period, and specific indicators to gain insights into environmental trends.

  • Rainfall Patterns: Visualize monthly rainfall data across different regions.
  • Vegetation Cover: Assess changes in vegetation density over time.
  • Wildlife Sightings: Track the frequency and distribution of key wildlife species.

Interactive Data Visualization

A gallery showcasing stories from the field, highlighting the impact of knowledge sharing on community resilience and ecosystem health.
  • “Reviving Traditional Practices”: How communities are integrating indigenous knowledge with modern monitoring techniques.
  • “Youth in Conservation”: Engaging the younger generation in ecosystem stewardship through education and technology.

Empowering Communities Through Shared Knowledge and Collaboration

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At ICoSS, we believe that sustainable ecosystem management thrives on the collective wisdom of communities, researchers, and policymakers. Our collaborative networks facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and data, enabling communities to make informed decisions and adapt to environmental changes effectively.

Our Approach to Knowledge Sharing

1. Community-Centric Data Collection

We train local community members to systematically collect data on key environmental indicators such as rainfall, vegetation cover, and wildlife populations. This participatory approach ensures that data is grounded in local context and relevance.

2. Accessible Information Platforms

Collected data is processed and shared through user-friendly platforms, including mobile applications and community notice boards, ensuring that information is accessible to all stakeholders.

3. Collaborative Learning Forums

Regular workshops and forums bring together community members, scientists, and policymakers to discuss findings, share experiences, and co-develop strategies for sustainable land management.

Interactive Data Visualization

An interactive dashboard allows users to explore real-time data collected by community monitors. Users can filter information by region, time period, and specific indicators to gain insights into environmental trends.

  • Rainfall Patterns: Visualize monthly rainfall data across different regions.
  • Vegetation Cover: Assess changes in vegetation density over time.
  • Wildlife Sightings: Track the frequency and distribution of key wildlife species.

Interactive Data Visualization

A gallery showcasing stories from the field, highlighting the impact of knowledge sharing on community resilience and ecosystem health.
  • “Reviving Traditional Practices”: How communities are integrating indigenous knowledge with modern monitoring techniques.
  • “Youth in Conservation”: Engaging the younger generation in ecosystem stewardship through education and technology.