About Us
The Institute for Integrative Conservation connects innovative thinking with global conservation priorities to create sustainable solutions where people and nature can thrive.
Biodiversity supports all life, and is the foundation of human well-being. Yet, we are amidst a global mass extinction being driven by unsustainable human activity.
Slowing biodiversity loss requires solutions that address contributing human factors.
Integrative Conservation acknowledges that humans are closely tied to the natural environment, critically dependent on it, and uniquely positioned to impact it in negative or positive ways.
Integrative solutions seek the wellbeing of ecosystems and the diverse species within them while promoting equitable social systems and sustainable practices that enhance human health and well-being.
Integrative solutions promote the rights, sovereignty, self-determination, and cultural heritage of diverse human communities.
Integrative solutions seek to engage diverse perspectives on understanding biodiversity loss and on developing and implementing solution options.
Our Mission
To empower an inclusive community of thought leaders to create and deliver timely, innovative solutions to the world's most pressing conservation challenges.
Our Vision
A future in which people and nature are inextricably, equitably, and justly connected, and the natural environment thrives for current and future generations.
Our Values
We strive to be Creative, Inclusive, Responsive, Bold, and Transformative. Our values are central to who we are. See our values in action.
Introduction to the Institute for Integrative Conservation
{{youtube:large|rjVv7nBDc9U, The Institute for Integrative Conservation (IIC) is at the forefront of transformational research and education to address our most critical biodiversity conservation challenges.}}
Conservation EducationIn collaboration with academic and conservation partners, the IIC has designed an entirely new curriculum for training the next generation of conservation leaders, and offers both a major and a minor in Integrative Conservation. Along with conservation science, students develop skills in research design, business processes, management, finance, regulatory frameworks, and fundraising. They explore conservation ethics, diverse perspectives on conservation, and environmental justice. Students learn to be expert communicators who can relate to a diversity of audiences and cultures. |
Conservation ResearchOur Conservation Research Program offers paid internships for students to work directly with conservation partners on applied research projects around the world. We connect students to a network of conservation practitioners, and cultivate the research, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills needed to develop career-ready students. |
Capacity DevelopmentWe connect conservation knowledge to action by bringing together partners from across private, public, and non-profit sectors to conduct applied, interdisciplinary research, to develop tools and trainings, and to establish long-term collaborative relationships that foster place-based learning and integrative conservation. |
Outreach and OutputsWe cultivate a community of conservation learners, scholars, and practitioners through speaking events, film screenings, workshops, and social events that foster cross-sector, transdisciplinary and multicultural conservation discussions. |
Our NetworkThe IIC Network consists of innovative W&M faculty, staff and students, other educational institutions, conservation NGOs and nonprofits, state and federal agencies, private corporations, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities. Members of our network bring diverse perspectives, skills, knowledge, and expertise to the challenge of biodiversity conservation, which when synthesized, leads to innovative conservation solutions. The IIC is thankful for the guidance and support of our external Conservation Advisory Board, our W&M Steering Committee, our Research and Curriculum Committees, our Student Leadership Council, and to our conservation partners. Working with internal and external paraters, the IIC will help design, test, and implement new technologies to solve specific conservation issues and help turn vast amounts of data into useful information. Through establishing a strong network of conservation organizations, federal and state agencies, and private corporations, the IIC can help turn integrative research into actionable policy. Become a part of our community - Join our Mailing List! |
