Hippolyte Agossou
The illegal trade in elephant organs poses a grave and immediate threat to elephant populations, second only to habitat destruction. Our project is dedicated to addressing this critical issue by engaging communities, raising public awareness, and collaborating closely with key stakeholders responsible for managing and governing natural resources around protected areas in Benin. This project holds the potential to achieve significant outcomes.
Firstly, it aims to heighten awareness among local communities about the devastating consequences of elephant organ trafficking. By highlighting the threats to elephant populations and the risks associated with participating in these illicit activities, we aspire to reduce the demand for elephant organs, ultimately curbing poaching and trafficking.
A herd of elephants hiding behind the trees in full view of our vehicle in the Pendjari reserve., Benin © AGOSSOU Hippolyte.
Secondly, we intend to bolster law enforcement activities to combat elephant organ trafficking through enhanced monitoring, intelligence gathering, and investigations into trafficking networks. This approach may lead to the apprehension and prosecution of individuals engaged in these criminal activities, acting as a deterrent to others.
Thirdly, the project will empower local communities and conservation stakeholders with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively combat elephant organ trafficking. This includes training in monitoring and reporting illegal activities, fostering partnerships and collaborations with various stakeholders, and strengthening institutional frameworks for wildlife crime prevention and enforcement. In the grand scheme, our efforts are geared towards contributing to the conservation of elephant populations and their habitats. By addressing the root causes of elephant organ trafficking and building the capacities of local communities, wildlife guardians, mediators, Avigref office members, and former poachers, we aim to increase the detection rate of illegal activities, promote coordination among stakeholders, and intensify efforts to combat online wildlife trafficking.
In sum, our project is a vital step towards ensuring the long-term survival of elephants in Benin and addressing the pressing issue of elephant organ trafficking through a multifaceted approach that combines awareness, law enforcement, capacity building, and collaboration with local communities and conservation actors.
Header: A herd of elephants crossing the road near the Bali Pond in the Pendjari reserve. Benin © AGOSSOU Hippolyte.