SEO Riders:
– Nigeria’s National Elephant Action Plan
– Community-based wildlife conservation in Nigeria
– Sustainable investment in elephant protection
In a recent feature by EnviroNews Nigeria, sustainability consultant Alexander Stonor discusses the imperative of integrating wildlife conservation with community empowerment and ethical investment to protect Nigeria’s dwindling elephant population. Stonor, recognized by the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation, emphasizes that sustainable ecotourism, community-managed conservation areas, and ethical wildlife-related enterprises can provide economic benefits to local communities while safeguarding elephant habitats. By involving local communities in conservation efforts—such as employment in ecotourism, anti-poaching initiatives, or sustainable agriculture—conservation can foster long-term stewardship of wildlife rather than conflict over land and resources.
This approach aligns with Nigeria’s National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP) 2024–2034, launched by the Federal Government in collaboration with the Elephant Protection Initiative and the Wildlife Conservation Society. The NEAP aims to reverse the decline of Nigeria’s critically endangered elephant population, currently estimated at just 300–400 individuals, by addressing threats such as poaching, habitat destruction, and human-elephant conflict. Key strategies include reducing illegal killings and trade, preserving elephant habitats, raising public awareness, and promoting community-led vigilance.
Stonor’s insights underscore the importance of aligning environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals with local community needs. By facilitating responsible investment and empowering communities, Nigeria can create a sustainable model where both ecosystems and local populations thrive, ensuring the long-term survival of its elephant population.
