The Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE)

The evolution, establishment, development and activities of The Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) are described and explained, concentrating particularly on the connection and close collaboration with the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust (JWPT), DICE evolved from the realisation that natural sciences and ecological understanding alone cannot sustainably conserve wildlife and ecosystems without an understanding of the social sciences, as well as the need for developing means of integrating both sciences with practical experience and effectiveness. Decision-makers have been unable to use the scientific knowledge-base developed over many decades because it was both inaccessible and inapplicable, Moreover most training courses and graduate programmes were not targeted at improving the ability of the students to do a job, and were inflexible in their structure and uncaring of the future support needed by students in their chosen careers, This state of affairs required a radical departure from the conventional institute, both in its philosophy and priorities, and a university capable of embracing it.