INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH KENYA (ITCER KENYA)

Conducts systematic, image-based biodiversity monitoring across Siaya County, Kenya, using geo-referenced photographs and DNA barcoding to document vascular plants, insects, earthworms, macrofungi, birds, and other macroorganisms. Maintains long-term experimental plots in Ng'iya as a core reference site within a county-wide monitoring grid.

Uses research findings from the ITCER site to design a standardized, county-wide biodiversity monitoring grid in Siaya County, including spatial sampling units and data quality protocols to support scalable ecological assessment.

Provides seminars, project-linked training, and practical support in biodiversity documentation, image-based monitoring, data mobilization (including GBIF submissions), and IT systems for environmental data management. Hosts workshops and seminars led by regional and international experts.

Engages international taxonomic experts to verify or revise species identifications for preliminary or unidentified specimens. Implements internal validation systems and quality control protocols to ensure data reliability across the monitoring network.

Curates and publishes the "Macrobiome Image Archive — ITCER Site" from 2022 onward, containing taxonomically verified, geo-referenced images of biodiversity. Images are published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license and include plans for integration with morphological and DNA barcode data.

Processes and submits taxonomically verified biodiversity observations to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), including 19,365 image occurrences and data from 33,933 images representing 3,638 taxa. Officially endorsed as a GBIF data publisher.

Conducts outreach presentations, dialogues, and exchange formats with local communities and partners to support sustainable resource use, community-led environmental activities, and the application of biodiversity data in land-use planning.

Tests employment models integrating trained local field photographers and motorbike riders into biodiversity monitoring efforts, linking ecological data collection with community livelihood opportunities.

Conducts experimental research on soil fungal communities (mycobiomes), plant diversity, and grassland productivity under varying land use regimes in Ng'iya, Siaya County. Includes investigations into microplastic pollution and functional fungal diversity.