The Institute for Culture and Ecology (ICE) is a Kenyan non-governmental organization (NGO) that was established in 2006 under the NGO Coordination Act. ICE was established in response to a clear need in Kenya to promote culture’s inherent and natural role in environmental and resource management.
ICE works with communities to rediscover the significance of local knowledge and naturally endowed resources/potentials in improving livelihoods and conserving the environment. As a result, communities can take control of their own development and break free from the cycle of poverty.
Nationally, regionally, and globally, ICE collaborates with like-minded organizations, institutions, and individuals.
Our target beneficiaries
Small-scale farmers [including men and women], people with special needs (those with disabilities and HIV/AIDS), and youth in and out of school are the focus of ICE. ICE has been working in Kiambu, Machakos, Tharaka-Nithi, and Meru for the past twelve years on various projects. Over 10,000 families are served by the counties of Muranga, Embu, and Kilifi (61 percent women, 39 percent men). ICE will continue to expand and deepen its work in these counties, as well as expand into other counties where there is a need and potential.
ICE envisages communities that are empowered in all aspects and living in healthy ecosystems.
ICE Mandate
To promote environmental conservation and natural resource management through buttressing traditional knowledge in community-based environmental and resource management
initiatives; and facilitate cultural-based learning that will lead to social and ecological wellbeing of the earth community.
Strategic Goal
To promote conservation of target ecological systems through resilience approaches and enhance socioeconomic empowerment.
Core values
In order to deliver on its mandate ICE is guided by the following principles:
- Respect for diversity: ICE accommodates diverse cultures as a way of promoting mutual respect and nurturing relationships.
- Equity: ICE believes in equal opportunities for all irrespective gender, religion and ability.
- Accountability: ICE embraces openness and responsibility in all its actions and activities.
- Professionalism: ICE upholds work ethics and diligence in its undertakings.
Strategic Objectives
- To enhance environmental regeneration and sustainable use of 5 critical ecosystems in the target areas.
- To Enhance food, seed sovereignty and economic empowerment among households.
- To strengthen campaign and advocacy capacities among target communities to influence decisions, policies.
- To strengthen collaborations and establish strong partnerships between ICE and its stakeholders.
- To enhance evidence-based programming, learning and adoption of new innovations, obtaining evidence needed for ICE programmes.
- To enhance organizational capacity for effective and efficient implementation of its mandate.