Compassionate relationships with wildlife open new dialogue, new ideas and new science
About the Centre
The Centre for Compassionate Conservation (CfCC) at UTS is the world-leading research and education centre in the interdisciplinary field of compassionate conservation. We focus on critical conservation challenges such as stemming extinction, resolving human–wildlife conflict, ending wildlife trade, enhancing the welfare of wild animals and promoting coexistence.
Our members specialise in:
- Global research footprint, including work in Australia, South Africa, the USA, the Middle East and Asia
- Innovative and ethical approaches that prioritise compassion in conservation science and practice.
They also address core conservation challenges, such as:
Preventing species extinction
At the Centre for Compassionate Conservation (CfCC), our transdisciplinary research (TD Research) team believe that preventing species extinction is not just a scientific challenge – it’s a moral imperative. In a time of accelerating biodiversity loss, our research redefines conservation by placing compassion at its core. We champion innovative, ethical approaches that honour the intrinsic value of all living beings and promote coexistence in a shared world.
Through transdisciplinary collaboration, we work to protect vulnerable species, restore ecosystems, and challenge traditional paradigms that separate humans from nature. Our goal is to create a future where no species is left behind – where conservation is driven by empathy, evidence, and equity.
Resolving human–wildlife conflict: reimagining coexistence
Our TD Research team believe that peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife is not only possible – it’s essential. As urbanisation expands and ecosystems shift, encounters between people and wild animals are becoming more frequent and complex. Our research seeks to transform these moments of tension into opportunities for understanding, empathy, and sustainable solutions.
Through transdisciplinary collaboration, we explore innovative approaches that respect both human needs and animal welfare. We challenge traditional conflict narratives and advocate for compassionate strategies that foster harmony, not harm.
Ending wildlife trade
The global wildlife trade is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, animal welfare, and ecological balance. At UTS's highly published Centre for Compassionate Conservation (CfCC), our team are committed to ending this destructive practice through research, advocacy, and ethical innovation.
Our work challenges the systems that commodify living beings and seeks to replace exploitation with empathy. We collaborate across disciplines to expose the impacts of wildlife trade, support policy reform, and promote alternatives that respect both animals and communities.
Ending wildlife trade is not just about saving species – it’s about reshaping our relationship with nature. Join us in building a future where wildlife is valued for its intrinsic worth, not its market price. Through our transdisciplinary lens, we can create a world where compassion leads conservation.
Enhancing the welfare of wild animals
Wild animals deserve lives free from suffering, disruption, and harm – yet their welfare is often overlooked in conservation and policy decisions. At the Centre for Compassionate Conservation (CfCC), our TD Research team are pioneering a new approach that places animal wellbeing at the heart of environmental stewardship.
Our research challenges the status quo by advocating for ethical, evidence-based practices that protect not only species, but individual lives. We explore how science, compassion, and collaboration can come together to create environments where wild animals can thrive – not just survive.
Promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife
As human populations grow and landscapes change, encounters with wildlife are becoming more frequent – and more complex. At UTS's Centre for Compassionate Conservation (CfCC), our TD Research team believe these moments are not problems to be solved, but opportunities to reimagine how we live alongside nature.
Our globally leading transdisciplinary research champions coexistence through empathy, innovation, and evidence-based solutions. We work across disciplines to develop strategies that respect both human communities and the wild animals who share our world. From urban environments to remote ecosystems, we seek to build relationships rooted in understanding, not conflict.
Connect with us
Whether you are a researcher, policymaker, educator, or concerned member of the community, we would love to hear from you. To get involved or if you have any questions about our research, please contact compassionateconservation@uts.edu.au.