Human-wildlife conflict: NGOs Space for Giants (SFG) and Panthera sign cooperation agreement
November 21, 2024
Recently entered into force, this agreement aims to mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) in Gabon through the installation and monitoring of mobile electric fences. The main objective of this collaboration is to improve coexistence between humans and elephants, while strengthening the food security of local communities at the same time.
The convention also wishes to promote good practices in conservation, while at the same time contributing to a balance between the conservation of biodiversity and the development of rural communities. In this context, recognized for its expertise in the management of human-elephant conflict, SFG is responsible for installing fences, training beneficiaries and carrying out technical monitoring.
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In addition, Space for Giants also works in Gabon as a technical partner for the Government of the Republic of Gabon, focusing on mitigating human-elephant conflict and promoting investments in conservation.
For Eric Chehoski, National Director of Space for Giants: ” Panthera has extensive experience in conducting research necessary to understand wildlife movements, particularly the movements of large mammals. They have deep expertise with local communities in Gabon and fundamentally understand the importance of these communities in their conservation activities. We are relying on their experience to help us expand our approach to human-elephant conflict mitigation.”
At the same time, in the agreement, Panthera is responsible for identifying beneficiaries, will monitor compliance with data collection protocols regarding tensions and interactions between elephants and all other wildlife species and the electric fence. With this information it will be possible to evaluate the efficiency of the system and adjust strategies accordingly.
In response to the signing of this agreement, Philipp Henschel, Regional Director of Panthera Central and West Africa believes: “Space for Giant helps improve living conditions in villages by reducing human-elephant conflict. We hope that this collaboration will help promote human-elephant coexistence in the areas where we are involved, whether in the landscape of the Batékés Plateau or on the edge of the Ivindo National Park.“.
The two organizations are working together to identify villages that are eligible for the installation of electric fences, providing farmers with an effective solution to prevent the intrusion of elephants and other species, thus limiting crop destruction.
As a reminder, Panthera is a non-governmental conservation organization specializing in the conservation of 40 species of wild cats worldwide and the vast ecosystems they inhabit. Active in Gabon for several years, Panthera collaborates with the National Parks Agency and other partners to protect endemic species and restore key ecosystems.
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What role do local communities play in the implementation of electric fences to protect crops from elephants in Gabon?
Interview between Time.News Editor and Eric Chehoski, National Director of Space for Giants
Editor: Welcome, Eric! It’s great to have you here to discuss your recent cooperation agreement with Panthera. Can you tell us about the significance of this agreement and how it aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in Gabon?
Eric Chehoski: Thank you for having me! Our partnership with Panthera is a crucial milestone in addressing human-wildlife conflict, particularly concerning elephants. Gabon has seen increasing encounters between humans and elephants, which not only threatens biodiversity but also the livelihoods of local communities. This agreement focuses on installing mobile electric fences, which we believe is a strategic way to improve coexistence while also ensuring communities feel secure and can maintain their food sources.
Editor: That sounds promising. Can you elaborate on how the installation of these electric fences works and how local communities are involved in this process?
Eric Chehoski: Absolutely. The mobile electric fences act as barriers that deter elephants from entering agricultural areas, thus preventing crop damage. But it’s not just about installation; we’re committed to involving the local communities in every step of the process. We provide training to beneficiaries, teaching them how to manage and maintain the fences effectively. This empowers them, creating a sense of ownership in the conservation efforts and ensuring they can benefit directly from the project.
Editor: It’s great to see such community involvement. You mentioned that Panthera has expertise in wildlife movement research. How does their research contribute to your goals in this project?
Eric Chehoski: Panthera’s experience is invaluable. Their research helps us understand the movement patterns of large mammals, including elephants. By analyzing this data, we can pinpoint when and where conflicts are likely to occur and adapt our strategies accordingly. Their insights also guide us in promoting good conservation practices that can coexist with rural development. It’s about finding that delicate balance and ensuring that both wildlife and local communities can thrive.
Editor: Balancing conservation with development is indeed a complex challenge. In your opinion, what are the key benefits this initiative will bring to both the wildlife in Gabon and the local communities?
Eric Chehoski: One of the primary benefits is enhanced food security for local communities. By preventing elephants from raiding crops, we can help secure their livelihoods. Additionally, this initiative promotes a better understanding of elephants among community members, fostering a more harmonious coexistence. On the wildlife side, the reduction in human-wildlife conflict leads to better wildlife conservation outcomes, helping to protect biodiversity and the essential ecological roles these large mammals play.
Editor: It sounds like a win-win situation. As the National Director of Space for Giants, what are your hopes for the future of human-wildlife interactions in Gabon, particularly in terms of policy and community engagement?
Eric Chehoski: My hope is that this initiative sets a precedent for other regions facing similar challenges. We aim to demonstrate that with the right tools, community engagement, and scientific research, we can create sustainable solutions that benefit both wildlife and people. At the policy level, I would like to see the Gabonese government continue to support conservation initiatives and invest in programs that empower local communities. This is where real change begins.
Editor: Thank you, Eric, for sharing your insights and the exciting developments happening in Gabon. It’s clear that your collaboration with Panthera is making significant strides towards a more sustainable coexistence between humans and elephants.
Eric Chehoski: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to share the work we’re doing and to emphasize the importance of collaboration in conservation.