Bangkok, 28 March 2024 – For generations, humans have lived alongside elephants and other wildlife, sometimes peacefully and at other times antagonistically. Acknowledging the importance of peaceful coexistence between humans and wild elephants, as well as respecting the right of both to thrive without fear of scarcity, injury or death, are a necessity going forward. There is, however, a difference in the benefits and burdens of living alongside elephants between local communities and urban dwellers. Although people in the city may feel quite removed from nature and wildlife, particularly elephants, developing a shared understanding among urban dwellers to promote mutual respect and empathy between humans and elephants is an important first step toward having the kinds of conversations that are needed for a sustainable coexistence. Therefore, to celebrate Thai Elephant Day this month, WWF-Thailand, a non-profit nature conservation organization, wishes to highlight three key benefits of conserving wild elephants that deserve universal awareness.
A Balanced Ecosystem
As the largest terrestrial animal, elephants have a profound impact on the environment and can be regarded as essential ecosystem engineers. Their presence is critical for preserving biodiversity and the overall health of forest ecosystems. By crashing through the forest and changing the physical characteristics of their environment, elephants create new habitats and resources that benefit other cohabiting species. This reorganizing of plant matter, soil and water also helps regulate ecosystem services that directly benefit humans. These services include enhancing resilience to climate variability by promoting healthy forest growth, which act as ‘natural carbon sinks’ that absorb and store greenhouse gases linked to climate change.
Moreover, elephants help spread seeds and nutrients, which leads to the growth of more diverse and fertile forests. They achieve this by consuming a variety of fruits and grasses and dispersing the seeds and digested plant matter through their feces, covering vast areas to forage in a single day. Therefore, it is undeniable that elephants contribute to creating a more balanced ecosystem globally, not just in Asia.
Ecotourism Resolution
One of the benefits of conserving wild elephants is the stimulation of the tourism industry. In Kuiburi National Park, a collaboration of various stakeholders, including WWF-Thailand, authorities, and local communities, is working together to address conflicts between humans and elephants. One effective approach to resolving these issues is by promoting Kuiburi as a wildlife sightseeing destination, known as the ‘Kuiburi Safari Tour.’ This initiative not only generates income for each sector involved but also provides an opportunity for people to experience wildlife, including elephants and other animals, within the park.
Visitors, especially urban dwellers, can retreat from city life and immerse themselves in the natural world at Kuiburi National Park and learn about the intricacies of wildlife and witness firsthand the intelligence and beauty of these creatures. Observing wild elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of living in harmony with nature. It also helps local communities benefit from the presence of elephants, when before they may have felt upset by the loss of crops or scared by the threat elephants can pose.
Thailand’s Cultural Heritage
Conserving elephants not only strengthens a sense of pride among Thai people but also preserves an integral part of their cultural heritage and identity, fostering social cohesion and unity. The relationship between elephants and Thai people has been deeply ingrained for centuries. In traditional Thai beliefs, Elephants are often revered as symbols of power, strength, and wisdom and regarded as sacred animals. They are closely associated with cultural practices. For example, Thailand hosts numerous festivals that celebrate elephants, such as the Elephant Festival in Surin province. These events feature elephant processions, traditional performances, and rituals aimed at honoring these majestic creatures. Elephants are also prominently featured in Thai art, literature, and folklore, symbolizing good fortune, protection, and prosperity. Even tourists to Thailand heavily associate elephants and Thailand, buying elephant related souvenirs and participating in elephant related tourism.
Join us this month to celebrate Thai Elephant Day 2024 and the wild elephants that add to the rich flavor of Thailand. Together, let’s build a sustainable future between humans and elephants, like what WWF is doing in Kuiburi National Park in partnership with other Elly Allies. Explore our docu-series, created to celebrate the power of collaboration, and discover more about our ‘We’re Ele-friends’ campaign on WWF-Thailand’s Facebook.
WWF-Thailand remains steadfast in its dedication to preserving the natural world for both humans and wildlife. With our shared belief in #TogetherPossible, explore additional conservation initiatives undertaken by WWF-Thailand on WWF-Thailand’s Facebook, WWF-Thailand’s X, and WWF-Thailand’s website www.wwf.or.th.
About WWF in Thailand
WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in nearly 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. WWF has had a presence in Thailand since 1995. WWF-Thailand works with government, civil society, and private sector partners to address the threats to biodiversity and to move towards a greener nature-based future. Learn more at www.wwf.or.th.
More information:
Facebook: WWF Thailand
Instagram: wwfthailand
Website: www.wwf.or.th
Twitter: @WWFThailand
YouTube: WWF Thailand Channel
LINE Official: @wwffoundation
For Media Inquiries, please contact: Vero on behalf of WWF
Wimonphan Nampachoke (Gluai)
Email: wimonphan@vero-asean.com
Tel: +66 (0)96-669-9746
