Building Bridges Between Humans and Elephants: Insights from the Human-Elephant Coexistence Toolbox Training-of-Trainers Workshop

As part of the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF) work to address one of the most urgent conservation challenges of our time – Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC), we are building government capability and capacity to facilitate human-elephant coexistence, with funding from the United Kingdom’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) through the prestigious Darwin Initiative. 

Central to our mission is the belief that solutions to human-elephant coexistence must be driven by African leadership, with governments and wildlife authorities at the forefront. However, these institutions are often hindered by critical gaps in capability, capacity, and resources, making it difficult for them to confront this complex issue effectively. To bridge these gaps and catalyze lasting change, the EPIF is committed to empowering these institutions through targeted training, mentorship, strategic partnerships, and robust knowledge exchange. We are building a strong, interconnected network among EPI member states, equipping them with the tools and expertise needed to address HEC and ensure a sustainable future for both humans and elephants.

Representing the Government of Angola and sponsored by the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation, Noé Pinto and Tresor Jorge from The National Institute for Biodiversity and Protected Areas (INBAC) and José Agostinho from the EPIF attended a workshop  organised by the Save the Elephants (STE) Coexistence Team, from November 26th to 28th 2024, designed to facilitate harmony between humans and elephants. They now share their highlights in this blog post, reflecting on the collective African effort to protect both humans and elephants. The  Training-of-Trainers Workshop was designed with two central objectives in mind. 

The first objective was to introduce and explore the Save the Elephants' human-elephant coexistence toolbox. Through a series of engaging presentations, dynamic group discussions, and practical, hands-on exercises, participants were immersed in the comprehensive framework of the toolbox. This approach allowed them to not only understand the theoretical underpinnings of HEC interventions but also to experience firsthand how these methods can be applied in real-world situations. The interactive sessions sparked deep conversations among the attendees, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas and experiences were exchanged. The second objective was to empower the participants with the skills to share this knowledge within their own communities. With a focus on capacity building, the workshop equipped attendees with the tools and techniques necessary to train others on effective human-elephant coexistence methods. 

The workshop masterfully blended classroom learning with field visits, providing a comprehensive, well-rounded experience. Classroom sessions laid the theoretical foundation, while field visits gave participants the opportunity to see these strategies in action, offering a grounded understanding of the challenges and successes in the field. This combination of learning methods ensured that attendees walked away not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and practical experience to drive meaningful change in their respective countries, by transferring this knowledge to both wildlife authority staff and local communities affected by HEC.

Impact on Angola: A Path Forward

For the Angolan team, this experience was a game-changer as they had previously been limited in capacity and knowledge when it came to implementing local solutions to mitigate HEC. The workshop was more than a training, it was a step towards transforming human-elephant relationships. By empowering local leaders to implement and share knowledge, this training has paved the way for sustainable coexistence practices in Angola.

Armed with new insights into elephant behavior and innovative mitigation techniques, they identified several methods to adapt for local contexts, such as:

1. Using air horns as early warning systems.

2. Combining deterrents to address challenges posed by elephants.

3. Improving fence materials to withstand elephant pressure.

4. Educating communities on the techniques available to deter elephants from their property. 

Through the Darwin Initiative grant, the EPIF hopes to continue supporting Angola in growing their capacity to implement HEC solutions. Read more about the EPI Foundations work in Angola.