Title: Solving human-elephant conflicts at Thuma Forest Reserve, Malawi - Baby Elephant killed by poachers!

Description:
Villagers along the boundaries of Thuma Forest Reserve in Malawiwere increasingly facing problems with crop-raiding elephants which have led to 2 people and 1 elephant being killed in 2009. Although people are aware of the benefits coming to their communities through the "Thuma Ecosystem Rehabilitation Project", is the permanent human-wildlife conflict affecting the local participation and support of WAG's conservation efforts at Thuma.

There was an immediate need for action toprotectboth the elephants and at the same time the property and live of the local communities.

As an emergency measure, a section of the required fence has been installed and completed in November 2009 by the Wildlife Action Group International e.V. on behalf of the District Assembly of Salima.

The local farmers contributed with incredible hard workmanshipto finish installing this section of the fence before the rainy season.

What has been achieved to date:

• Installation of a section of 12 km of solar powered electric fence
• Construction of an entrance gate
• Construction of 18 km access roads and tracks
• Construction of two small houses for fence attendants
• Training of fencing and maintenance personnel
• Temporary employment for local people: 3140 man-days

The now installed elephant fence-section allows the local people to reoccupy about 950 hectare of agriculture land, which they had abandoned because of the crop raiding elephants!

Positive results:

This film raises awareness and encourages donations to enable continuation of the conservation programme.

Non-Profit DVD Availability:

No information - Contact Filmmaker

Contact/Links:

Chairman: Georg Kloeble
Wildlife Action Group International e.V.
Pfaelzer Strasse 22
D-83109 Grosskarolinenfeld
Germany

Skype: waginternational
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.africanconservation.org
Linkto film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNttZ6fg80o&feature=player_embedded