Developing elephant eco-guardians: fundamental for co-ordinated anti-poaching/trafficking initiatives in Mali
Key Facts
FUNDING SCHEME Main
VALUE £335,055
WHERE Mali
Summary
This project will raise the profile of eco-guardians to increase their capacity and motivation for elephant protection activities, simultaneously providing a respected community role and alternative occupation to joining armed groups. The information they provide on elephants will enable the anti-poaching unit to target its activities and they will lead the community in conducting a total population census in synergy with an aerial survey; while their role in “elephant-centred CBNRM” is fundamental to delivering local livelihood benefits from elephant conservation.
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), The Mali Government: Ministry of the Environment, Chengeta Wildlife
Over 600 arrests and more than 500 convictions in wildlife crime since 2017, alongside a decline in ivory trafficking cases and an increase in elephant and rhino populations.
