Who we are
We are a regional conservation organisation putting healthy biodiversity and proper management of natural resources in the Albertine Rift region, Africa Great Lakes and African Mountains at the forefront of our mission.
Our story
The Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS) was founded in 1995 as a regional conservation organisation with the sole focus on the Albertine Rift biodiversity conservation. ARCOS has grown and upscaled its geographic areas of intervention from the Albertine Rift region to Africa Great Lakes and Africa Mountains.
In 2012, ARCOS received the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institution as a recognition of its work in championing the promotion of collaborative conservation and development actions in its areas of intervention. ARCOS is a registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee in the United Kingdom. It is also registered in Uganda and Rwanda as an International NGO.
The MacArthur Award
In 2012, ARCOS received the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institution as a recognition of its work in championing the promotion of collaborative conservation and development actions in its areas of intervention. Recently in 2023, ARCOS was a recipient of the Prestigious Award for Long-standing Landscape Restoration Efforts in Africa by One Tree Planted.
Mission
Conservation At Heart: We aim to enhance biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources in the Albertine Rift region, Africa Great Lakes region and African Mountains through the promotion of collaborative conservation action for nature and people.
Vision
Building Healthy Ecosystems: We significantly strive to achieve a vision where all important ecosystems are healthy, viable and rich in biodiversity. They provide sustainable benefits to people, whose livelihoods are much improved as a result of effective policies, respect for nature and strong participation of stakeholders in natural resource management.
Core values
- Collaborative
- Results Oriented
- Professionalism
- Transformative
- Innovative and Creative
- Sustainable Solution Oriented
- Competent
- Eco-Citizens
- Integrity is our flag
- Responsible First
Our leadership
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Sam Kanyamibwa
Dr. Sam Kanyamibwa is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS). Sam is a professionally qualified conservationist with over 30 years of experience in the conservation field at international level, particularly in Africa.
The team
For over two decades, our team has grown in number and in spirit and has played a massive role to achieve our mission. With over 100 staff across three countries, we are committed to enhance conservation efforts, community development, and collaborative climate action.
