In order to highlight the role that the media can play in reducing human-elephant conflict (HEC) and fostering coexistence, the Aaranyak-British Asian Trust organized a media workshop in the conference hall of Dibrugarh University’s guest house in partnership with the othe Press Clubs. This session emphasized the significance of use appropriate language and phrases, as well as scientific and reliable field data, to attract policymakers’ attention and garner local community support for HEC mitigation initiatives.
A workshop was held by Aaranyak to promote human-elephant coexistence, with 15 journalists from press clubs participating. Dr. Alolika Sinha presented on the importance of media in enabling coexistence, while Jayanta Kumar Pathak discussed the need for comprehensive coverage of biodiversity conservation and human wildlife coexistence. He also suggested revisiting HEC mitigation approaches alongside reporting on unfolding developments.
Journalists discussed regular workshops with Aaranyak officials, suggesting regular participation from both on-ground and senior journalists. They also suggested data sharing through the Rapid Response Unit, a community-based early warning system. They believed a holistic approach to biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife coexistence could help protect the region’s biodiversity. The workshop was facilitated by Aaranyak officials with support from Darwin Initiative.