27 April – In late April 2025, delegates from multiple Asian countries—China, India, Laos PDR, Malaysia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka—gathered in Yunnan, China, to attend the 2025 International Workshop on Asian Elephant Conservation. Hosted by the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden and the Government of China, the workshop served as a platform for sharing knowledge and collaborating on solutions to address the ongoing challenges faced by Asian elephants.
The primary focus of the workshop was to discuss strategies for the protection of Asian elephants, which are currently endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and increasing conflicts with human populations. The meeting underscored the importance of international cooperation in tackling these issues, especially the challenges posed by Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC). The delegates deliberated on a variety of measures, including the establishment of conservation areas and enhancing monitoring systems to track elephant movement and behavior. This approach aims to reduce HEC and help manage elephant populations more effectively.
One key outcome of the workshop was the discussion of methods to mitigate HEC in China, which included suggestions for improved land use practices and community-based conservation efforts. The delegates highlighted the need for collaboration between conservationists, local communities, and government agencies to foster sustainable coexistence between elephants and humans.
In addition, the event featured the presentation of a copy of Gajah, the AsESG journal, to the Government of China. This journal serves as an important tool for disseminating research and conservation strategies related to Asian elephants. The journal’s distribution is seen as a valuable contribution to the ongoing conservation efforts in China and throughout the region.
The 2025 International Workshop on Asian Elephant Conservation demonstrated the power of international collaboration in safeguarding the future of one of Asia’s most iconic species. By sharing knowledge, discussing solutions, and working together, these nations aim to ensure the survival of Asian elephants for generations to come.
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