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“Collaboration is when people with a stake in a problem join forces, pool information, knock heads, construct alternative solutions, and forge an agreement.”

Barbara Gray, Author of Collaborating: Finding Common Ground for Multiparty Problems

Conservation means taking care of our land, water, and wildlife so the diversity of life thrives, including the people who depend on nature. In the past, conservation has emphasized biological and ecological sciences and excluded people. We now know this approach alone cannot succeed. It takes all sides.

That is what collaborative conservation is all about. It’s an inclusive process where diverse stakeholders work together to create solutions for people and nature. This is what we teach, what we share, and how we support the work of others.

Collaborative conservation is how many of the world’s complex challenges are being solved.

About Us

We focus our work in three areas:

LEARN

Through coursework, trainings, experiential opportunities, and “how to” resources, the CCC builds the skills of students and professionals so they can amplify their conservation impact.

NETWORK

The CCC connects students, faculty, and practitioners to share learning and find opportunities to work together.

CONSERVE

Practicing what we preach, the CCC gets involved in projects where we have a unique ability to support conservation impact.

95% of CCC Fellows Program alumni reported that their fellow’s project had been useful to them professionally.

“This fellowship has certainly been one of the most impactful moments of my career....thank you all.”

“I feel that the CCC played a really essential role in shaping me as a conservationist.”

“As a graduate fellow who now works in the field of conservation, having a much better grasp on the idea of collaborative conservation has been really important in the way that I now view the world.”

In regards to the CCC's facilitation efforts: “They involved everyone and they listened to all points of view from the start.”

“I really liked hearing from the ranchers and the Native American man. I was completely unfamiliar with their positions and learned a lot from their participation. I have a much greater appreciation and empathy for ranchers even though I don’t necessarily agree with ranching animals in general due to my ethical beliefs.”

“Working as an intern with the CCC and John has been a fantastic opportunity to get hands on experience and build relationships.”

96% of Confluence 2020 attendees said Western Collaborative Conservation Network (WCCN)’s role as a connector, convener, and catalyst is “essential” or “very important.”

“The community collaboration network is large. We can continue to learn from each other. Many groups have the same challenges.”

"Thank you so much for this video [Supporting Conservation through Social Marketing]. As a current masters student focused on conservation marketing this is incredibly helpful! I am thrilled to see the focus of conservation marketing branching out."