Ukhiya: Local communities have been encouraged to maintain a safe distance and report to the Forest Department or Elephant Response Team (ERT) when elephants enter human settlements. This advisory was emphasized during an awareness meeting at Jaliapalong High School in Ukhiya, in observance of World Elephant Day.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the event was organized by Arannayk Foundation as part of its project aimed at mitigating human-wildlife conflict, strengthening institutional connections, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. The project is funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Divisional Forest Officer Abdullah Al Mamun highlighted the importance of notifying authorities rather than attempting to drive the elephants away.
Participants at the meeting pointed out that the expansion of agriculture and human infrastructure in forested and hilly regions is diminishing elephant habitats and traditional movement pathways. This encroachment leads to more frequent elephant visits to settlements, elevating the possibility of conflicts with humans.
Speakers at the event stressed the necessity of protecting elephant habitats and movement corridors, in addition to raising community awareness and enhancing rapid response strategies. They underscored the ecological roles elephants play, such as seed dispersal and forest regeneration, and how these activities sustain healthy forest ecosystems. Therefore, safeguarding elephant habitats is crucial to conservation efforts and mitigating risks to human lives and properties.
Special guests at the meeting included Mohammad Ullah, Upazila Secondary Education Officer, Dr. Mohammad Abdul Motaleb, Executive Director of Arannayk Foundation, and Babla Mahajan, Natural Resources Management Specialist at FAO, alongside others. The event also included quiz and drawing competitions, with winners receiving commemorative crests, certificates, and tree saplings.
World Elephant Day, observed annually on August 12, aims to raise awareness about elephants and bolster conservation and protection efforts.