ACC's encompassing view of science means that all forms of knowledge either from natural sciences, social sciences or indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) are used in its conservation efforts. In addressing the above issues, ACC implements the following themes under its conservation research program: assembling and building a better picture of conservation issues from all knowledge sources; illuminating our understanding using the insights for the sustainable management of natural resources; developing of specific technical skills, techniques and tools that fosters conservation of African biodiversity; using knowledge systems in enabling ACC to improve district and national capacity to assess the threats to biodiversity in Kenya and implement verifiable and replicable solutions; and developing of ACC as a conservation hub that attracts researchers and programs that help local communities acquire the knowledge and technical skills for managing biodiversity and natural resources productively and sustainably.

ACC works with local communities who live in areas endowed with some of the best natural resources and wildlife. Many of these communities either lack the awareness of the potential of these resources or simply lack the capacity to productively and sustainably manage them. The effect of these have been the gradual degradation of the natural resource base, wildlife poaching and other illegal killings or in-migration into these areas by speculators to displace the local people. ACC therefore works with such communities (at local and national levels) in taking stewardship of the wildlife and natural resources in their areas and managing them sustainably. To fulfil this, ACC empowers communities to plan, design, and establish functioning local management structures for the sustainable management of their natural resources.