What Conservation Plans Will Be Discussed for World Elephant Day?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for effective elephant conservation.
- India hosts nearly 60% of the world's wild elephant population.
- Workshops on Human-Elephant Conflict will facilitate knowledge sharing.
- Public engagement is vital, with a campaign targeting 12 lakh school children.
- The event highlights India's role as a leader in wildlife conservation.
New Delhi, Aug 11 (NationPress) Foresters, policymakers, civil society representatives, and wildlife experts will convene to share insights on elephant conservation initiatives and conflict resolution methods during the upcoming World Elephant Day festivities in Coimbatore this Tuesday, according to an official statement.
This event is organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in partnership with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, aiming to reaffirm the global commitment to protect elephants, the official noted.
This annual gathering reinforces the worldwide dedication to preserve one of Earth’s most remarkable species—the elephant—and to enhance measures that ensure their long-term survival.
According to the 2023 Report on Elephant Corridors in India, India is home to nearly 60% of the world's wild elephant population, hosting 33 Elephant Reserves and 150 designated Elephant Corridors.
With strong legal protections, robust institutional frameworks, and broad public backing, India is globally recognized as a leader in harmonizing human welfare with wildlife conservation.
Elephants are designated as the National Heritage Animal and hold a significant place in the nation’s traditions and culture.
Tamil Nadu, celebrated for its biological and cultural diversity, harbors a substantial population of elephants and plays a crucial role in reducing human-elephant conflicts.
The Coimbatore event will provide a platform for foresters, policymakers, civil society representatives, and wildlife experts to discuss conservation strategies and conflict resolution tactics.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav will inaugurate the event, joined by Union Minister of State Kriti Vardhan Singh and R. S. Rajakannappan, Minister for Forests and Khadi, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Senior officials from MoEF&CC, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, the Ministry of Railways, and other states will also be in attendance.
A specialized workshop on Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) will also take place in Coimbatore, providing a platform for elephant range states to discuss their challenges regarding human-elephant coexistence and the mitigation measures being implemented in their respective areas.
This initiative is in line with ongoing efforts under Project Elephant, focusing on community involvement and scientific methods to address conflicts between humans and elephants, a vital issue for conservation and public safety.
The workshop is timely, given the increasing incidents of elephants entering human settlements in search of food and water, highlighting the need for innovative solutions and inter-state collaboration.
Experts, policymakers, conservationists, and forest officials will engage in discussions on best practices, ranging from habitat management and corridor maintenance to awareness campaigns and capacity building in high-conflict zones.
This collaborative strategy aims to balance wildlife conservation with human welfare, promoting long-term coexistence between communities and elephants.
A nationwide awareness campaign will be launched, involving approximately 12 lakh school children from around 5,000 schools, emphasizing the extensive public outreach and commitment to elephant conservation.