India: Environment ministry report says elephant conservation must expand focus beyond PAs
GUWAHATI, Sept 1 – A report of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests have recommended the adoption of the elephant as National Heritage Animal and establishing a National Elephant Conservation Authority to ensure the long term survival of the species which currently faces a range of serious threats.
The document, authored by a group of eminent experts of international stature, focuses on key areas, like threats, protection measures, habitat improvements, and underlines the need for immediate steps. In the days ahead, the recommendations are expected to impact all States with elephant population, which includes Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Taking cognizance of the existing situation, the report acknowledges that Project Elephant has done good work since 1992, but “needs more than an accretion of resources”, if the survival chances of the species are to improve.