Finding a solution for the Human-Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka
The Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) in Sri Lanka has escalated alarmingly over the past few years. The increasing land grabs as settlements encroach on migration trails and food reserves have resulted in elephants and humans meeting on violent terms. One of our Dutch Partners, All For Nature Travel & Consultancy, has initiated a fundraiser in the interests of finding a sustainable solution for the HEC. Experiential Journeys and the Sri Lanka Wilderness Foundation (the Sustainability arm of Eco Team), along with the Academy of Eco, Wildlife & Nature Interpretation (AEWNI) have conducted the initial research into formulating a solution. Koonketiya, a remote village in the Uva Province, has been identified as a critical location where this solution is urgently required. The project will rehabilitate an existing trench situated alongside an Electric Fence, by increasing the depth of the trench and reinforcing the trench wall on the village side with a thick layer of concrete. The length of the trench is 16 km and our aim is to launch a pilot project targeting a 1 km section. Although the solution seems simple, it is an expensive undertaking for a private organisation. As the cost per kilometer is estimated to be 77,350 USD, we would like to invite any interested parties to join us and contribute to this project.
