Elephant Human Coexistence Societies

At the heart of our mission to foster peaceful and sustainable coexistence between people and elephants in Sri Lanka lies the formation of Elephant-Human Coexistence Societies (EHCS) within local villages. These community-based societies are established through a participatory and inclusive process, engaging farmers, youth, women, and village leaders who are directly impacted by human-elephant conflict (HEC). Recognizing that the most effective and lasting solutions come from within the communities themselves, we support villagers in forming EHCS as a platform to build knowledge, share responsibility, and take coordinated action. Each society is democratically organized, with elected committees that represent diverse voices from the village. Our team provides training, technical support, and guidance to help these societies identify key challenges related to HEC in their areas, map elephant movement patterns, and implement locally appropriate mitigation measures. These include safe fencing systems, community watch programs, seasonal crop planning, and habitat restoration efforts. Importantly, EHCS also serve as hubs for education and awareness-building, and team building sports activities particularly among children and youth, helping foster empathy and understanding of elephant behavior. By empowering communities through ownership and leadership, these societies transform villagers from passive victims of conflict into proactive stewards of coexistence. Over time, we’ve witnessed remarkable shifts in attitudes—from fear and resentment to cooperation and care. As these societies grow stronger, they not only reduce conflict but also strengthen social bonds, improve livelihoods, and contribute to broader conservation goals. Each EHCS stands as a living testament to what can be achieved when people come together with shared purpose, grounded in local wisdom and supported by science. Through these grassroots efforts, we are building a future where elephants and humans can thrive side by side in harmony across Sri Lanka’s rural landscapes.

Date of commenc: 01.04.2026