Integrative Conservation

Integrative Conservation Major and Minor

A changing and complex global context and the narrow focus of many previous conservation efforts means that we need to take integrative approaches that balance the conservation and preservation of wildlife and their ecosystems with human wellbeing and in co-design with local communities. By wellbeing we refer to the health, social, environmental, and economic opportunities of peoples who are directly and indirectly connected to conservation action. Our approach to co-design with communities helps to preserve human cultural diversity while also addressing the needs of local peoples and helps to incorporate their ways of knowing and learning into the conception, design, and implementation of conservation projects.

The major and minor in integrative conservation provides students with the interdisciplinary training they need to engage a diversity of perspectives and solutions when addressing complex global conservation challenges. In the major, the application of this knowledge is reinforced by requiring students to complete coursework in innovation and entrepreneurship and a capstone project with an external conservation partner. These collaborative projects are coordinated and organized by the Institute for Integrative Conservation (IIC). Students will apply for and be matched to these opportunities by the IIC. This major and minor is designed for students who would like to explore career opportunities related to biodiversity conservation and the maintenance of social-ecological systems in the face of global environmental threats.

Programs

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