Protecting elephants, biodiversity, livelihoods & people in Mali

Susan Canney & Nomba Ganamé

The Mali Elephant Project

The tracks of the elephants (32,000km2) …… project operating over an area the size of Switzerland

Timbuktu

100km

Timbuktu

Diversity:

- Ethnicities

- Livelihoods (pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, agriculturalists

- Natural (one of 4 regions of highest biodiversity value in Mali)

Background

• Mali Elephant Project since 2002

– 2003-6 scientific studies

– 2007-9 local dialogue, outreach, building a shared vision

– 2009 onwards – action CBNRM more resources available, included elephants & used local methods/ structures

– Community-forester “brigades de surveillance” key for the future response to poaching

No poaching until January 2012

• 2011 return of heavily armed Tuareg mercenaries rebellion• 2012 coup, government fled and occupation by armed rebel and

jihadist groups

Same method: community meeting (4 days)

Grain distribution

Elders & clan leaders

Pledged to convey the message throughout the community and to the leaders of the armed groups …..

“Anyone who kills elephants steals from the local people”

Traditional chief of Ebanguimallen

Vigilance networks preventing radicalisation

50 rangers (2014), vehicles, state of the art radio-comms but …..

We have good intelligence but no one to act on it• In a context of insecurity: banditry, jihadist attacks & retribution killings

• International trafficking networks

Impact of government/governance

But the brigades are still there

• Patrols

• Information and intelligence gathering

• Guiding military AP patrols

• Collecting tusks

• CBNRM

Community motivation & benefits ….

Elephants • Attitude survey 2009• “if elephants

disappear it means the environment is no longer good for us”

• identity

Project• Empowerment and control over own resources • CBNRM systems prevent a tragedy of the

commons more resources available & ecosystem restoration

• Occupation for young men with status prevention of radicalisation

• Anti-poaching & security

Process of inclusion through relationship/

partnership

Nomba Ganame

REQUIREMENTS• Knowledge of the milieu • Observation plus targeted studies

understood in the wider context• Languages, respect, interest, ability to

listen, gain trust …. Ability to interpret responses

• Learn from failure of past interventions

THE PROCESS• Create a shared vision• Use studies to unify through a common

perception • Inclusive co-created solutions • Clarity about who benefits,

responsibilities, accountability • Dialogue and time

• Same principles at national level

Thank you!

“The elephants mean we gain money for essentials without stealing or pillaging”

10 minute Tedx talk http://bit.ly/KwOrxd o

http://www.wild.org/mali-elephants/

“Elephants are the jewels of our

land”

“The elephant is one of many living beings, including man.

It is therefore sacred and must be protected”

“The presence of elephants is a sign that there are trees , grass,

water and game: resources essential for our survival”

“To let strangers come and kill the elephants on our land is shameful for us”