Tharaka University (TUN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Landscape Alliance to strengthen collaboration in research, learning, conservation, and landscape restoration.
Tharaka University Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Prof. Peter K. Muriungi, PhD, led a delegation from the University in signing the agreement during a courtesy call at Landscape Alliance CEO Eliane Ubalijoro’s office in Gigiri, Nairobi.
The MoU provides a framework for the two institutions to partner in research, training and learning, landscape restoration, knowledge sharing and the utilisation of technical expertise and resources, among other areas of mutual interest.
Prof. Muriungi welcomed the deal.
“This partnership provides an important platform for Tharaka University and Landscape Alliance to work together in research, learning and landscape restoration,” he said.
“It will enable us to share expertise and resources while creating opportunities for our students to gain practical experience through attachments and internships.”
Ms. Ubalijoro said Landscape Alliance would establish a tamarind (Tamarindus indica) gene bank at Tharaka University to support research, conservation and the development of improved planting materials.
She said Tharaka University provides a suitable location for the initiative.
“Tharaka University is an ideal site for the establishment of the Tamarind gene bank because of the variety of Tamarind trees found within the University and the surrounding area,” said Ms. Ubalijoro.
“The gene bank will provide an important resource for research, conservation and the development of improved planting materials.”
Prof. Muriungi said the collaboration would extend beyond the University, with research generated through the partnership expected to address challenges affecting the Tharaka community and society at large.
“We are committed to implementing the activities outlined in this MoU and ensuring that the partnership delivers tangible benefits,” said the Vice-Chancellor.
“The research and knowledge generated through this collaboration will contribute to addressing challenges affecting our communities, particularly in the areas of environmental conservation, climate change and sustainable land management.”
The TUN delegation toured Landscape Alliance’s laboratories, gaining insights into the organisation’s work in research, conservation and sustainable land management.
The partnership will also provide opportunities for TUN students to undertake industrial attachment and internship at Landscape Alliance, enabling them to complement classroom learning with practical experience in research, laboratory work, conservation and landscape restoration.
Present during the MoU signing were TUN Director, Resource Mobilisation, Partnerships and Internationalisation, Dr. Collins Sitienei; Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences and Natural Resources, Dr. Marciano Mutiga; and Landscape Alliance Trees Theme Lead, Dr. Alice Muchugi.
