International Long Term Ecological Research (ILTER) consists of networks of scientists engaged in long-term, site-based ecological and socioeconomic research. Our mission is to improve understanding of global ecosystems and inform solutions to current and future environmental problems. ILTER’s ten-year goals are to:

1. Foster and promote collaboration and coordination among ecological researchers and research networks at local, regional and global scales
   
   
2. Improve comparability of long-term ecological data from sites around the world, and facilitate exchange and preservation of this data
   
   
3. Deliver scientific information to scientists, policymakers, and the public and develop best ecosystem management practices to meet the needs of decision-makers at multiple levels
   
   
4. Facilitate education of the next generation of long-term scientists

ILTER Network was founded in 1993 during the United States’ Long-term Ecological Research (LTER) All Scientists Meeting at Estes Park, Colorado.  ILTER was formed to meet the growing need for global communication and collaboration among long-term ecological researchers. 

ILTER Network is undergoing a 10-year strategic planning process, and will ratify the plan at the 2006 annual general meeting in Namibia. 

Since ILTER’s founding in 1993, global long-term ecological research programs have expanded rapidly, reflecting the increased appreciation of the importance of long-term research in assessing and resolving complex environmental issues.  As of May, 2006 thirty-two member networks have established formal national LTER programs and joined the ILTER network. In addition to these thirty-two affiliated member networks, several other groups of scientists are actively pursuing the establishment of national networks and many others have expressed interest in doing the same.

The ILTER Coordinating Committee, the governing body of the ILTER Network, convenes annually at a meeting hosted by one of the Member Networks. Reports of past meetings are available.