The escalating challenge of human-wildlife conflict has draw attention from the global community, with hundreds of activists from over 70 countries recently coming together at the International Conference on Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence in Oxford, United Kingdom. The conference was a joint effort by several renowned organizations including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the UN Development Programme.
The Goals of the Conference
The conference sought to open dialogue and facilitate peer-to-peer learning across various sectors about this critical issue. It aimed to share latest insights, technologies, ideas and information regarding human-wildlife conflict and coexistence. Additionally, the conference strove to place this subject as one of the foremost global priorities in biodiversity conservation and the Sustainable Development Goals for the next decade. Importantly, it endeavored to identify a collective strategy for addressing knowledge and implementation gaps for managing human-wildlife conflict effectively.
Why is the Conference Needed?
Human-wildlife conflicts across the globe present a significant hurdle for species conservation, making coexistence with nature difficult and hindering biodiversity protection. Wild cat species are particularly impacted, with conflict-related killing affecting 75% of these species, as per the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The conference provided a platform for various experts to understand multiple perspectives of human-wildlife conflict, encouraging mutual learning and fostering collaborations.
Understanding Human-Animal Conflict
Human-animal conflict refers to scenarios where human activities such as agriculture or resource extraction clash with wild animals, resulting in unfavorable outcomes for both sides. This can result in economic losses for humans and threats to their safety, especially in regions where wildlife and people coexist. Similarly, it can lead to ecological imbalances and hamper conservation efforts. The psychological impacts on individuals who have experienced animal attacks or property damage can also be profound, often leading to fear, anxiety, and trauma.
Government Measures Against Human-Animal Conflict
India, for example, has introduced several measures to mitigate human-animal conflict. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 prohibits hunting and encourages the protection and management of wildlife habitats. The Biological Diversity Act of 2002 was established in accordance with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. In addition, the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) aims to strengthen the protected area network and conserve endangered wildlife and their habitats. Furthermore, initiatives like Project Tiger and Project Elephant were specifically launched to protect these endangered animals and their habitats.
Understanding and addressing human-wildlife conflict is crucial for both biodiversity conservation and human safety. Initiatives like the Oxford conference serve as important platforms for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration among different sectors, ultimately encouraging coexistence between humans and wildlife.