Over the course of my work with The Biodiversity and Elephant Conservation Trust (BECT), I have delivered over 3,028 awareness sessions across schools. BECT is a charity committed to educating and shifting public perception about the importance of conserving biodiversity, elephants, and addressing human-wildlife conflict.
Our school outreach program focuses on areas where human-elephant conflicts have historically occurred. The evaluation of this initiative, conducted across a representative sample of schools, shows promising results. Not only has the program been successful in raising awareness and imparting knowledge to students, but it has also had a long-term impact. With the right support, these outcomes can be further strengthened, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to champion the cause of conservation.
In addition to school awareness sessions, I have also conducted numerous village awareness programs in collaboration with various governmental and non-governmental organisations. These programs target rural communities directly affected by human-elephant conflicts, aiming to foster understanding and coexistence. Engaging local residents, we provide valuable insights into elephant behavior, the importance of biodiversity, and strategies to mitigate conflicts. These sessions have not only increased awareness but have also empowered villagers with knowledge and tools to protect both their livelihoods and the elephants, creating a more harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife.