A community led initiative to mitigate conflict and foster co-existence with Elephants

Executive Summary

In the expanse of South West Bengal (SWB), comprising four districts of West Bengal, a complex human-elephant conflict unfolds. Despite a modest elephant population of 180-200, the region is a hotspot for strife due to ecological and social factors. SWB's landscape, dominated by Sal (teak) tree plantations, clashes with the elephants' natural habitat, leading to raids on paddy fields and homes, causing economic loss and fear among residents. This fuels resentment and intolerance towards elephants, leading communities to demand extreme actions such as digging of trenches or usage of fire torches or mashaals during the distressing practice of "Hulla," (elephant drives) to keep elephants away from villages, resulting in violent encounters and casualties, perpetuating conflict.

Our project seeks to confront this multifaceted challenge head-on, addressing the root causes of human-elephant conflict while fostering pathways towards harmonious coexistence. By creating safe and accessible food and water sources for elephants, we aim to mitigate their dependence on crops and reduce conflict incidents. Furthermore, the implementation of solar fencing in high-risk areas serves as a deterrent, protecting human settlements and reducing property damage.

However, our intervention goes beyond mere mitigation efforts. We envision a landscape where humans and elephants coexist in mutual respect and understanding. Through community engagement initiatives, including education, awareness programs and incentivization of stakeholders, we aim to foster empathy and tolerance among local residents, thereby laying the groundwork for sustainable coexistence.

Our project will be implemented in affected areas within the Jhargram district, strategically selected due to their position near the West Bengal-Jharkhand border—a crucial elephant movement corridor. Over the course of at least three years, we anticipate measurable improvements in conflict mitigation, reflected in decreased crop damage, fewer adverse encounters, and improved attitudes towards elephants among local communities.

Ultimately, our goal extends beyond the immediate alleviation of conflict; we aspire to cultivate a landscape where humans and elephants thrive in harmonious coexistence, enriching the ecological and cultural tapestry of South West Bengal for generations to come.

About the NGO

Human & Environment Alliance League (HEAL) is a public charitable trust, established in 2017 with the aim of addressing critical conservation issues threatening the ecological security of eastern India. These encompass mass ritualistic hunting, poaching and illegal wildlife trade, habitat encroachment and degradation, and human-wildlife conflict. HEAL tackles these complex problems using a multi-pronged approach that includes rigorous scientific research, engaging with local communities, conducting field investigations of wildlife crimes, collaborating closely with law enforcement authorities, and, when necessary, seeking judicial intervention through Public Interest Litigations.

• In February 2024, HEAL was felicitated with the "Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Award 2023" at International Conference and POP Festival for Youth-Led Climate Action at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi
• In recognition of our work in the Sundarbans, the West Bengal Forest Department has felicitated HEAL in 2021, 2022 and 2023 on Global Tiger Day
• Our co-founder Tiasa Adhya is a President's awardee (Narishakti Puraskar 2016), Sanctuary Asia Wildlife Service awardee (2016), Future For Nature Foundation, Netherlands awardee 2022
• Our two other co-founders Meghna Banerjee and Suvrajyoti Chatterjee were co-recipients of the Sanctuary Asia Wildlife Service award 2020

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