Frank Pope, CEO of Save the Elephants, reflects on the essential role of elephants in African ecosystems and the urgency of ensuring their survival. Drawing on the experience of the Elephant Crisis Fund, he explains how the organization has expanded its focus from combating the illegal ivory trade to protecting habitats and fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and close collaboration with local communities to address current conservation challenges.
The Elephant Crisis Fund, promoted by Save the Elephants, has been recognized with the 20th BBVA Foundation Worldwide Award for Biodiversity Conservation for its sustained efforts in protecting African elephants. The jury particularly valued its effectiveness in reducing threats such as ivory trafficking, habitat loss, and conflicts with local populations, consolid
Frank Pope, CEO of Save the Elephants, reflects on the essential role of elephants in African ecosystems and the urgency of ensuring their survival. Drawing on the experience of the Elephant Crisis Fund, he explains how the organization has expanded its focus from combating the illegal ivory trade to protecting habitats and fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and close collaboration with local communities to address current conservation challenges.
The Elephant Crisis Fund, promoted by Save the Elephants, has been recognized with the 20th BBVA Foundation Worldwide Award for Biodiversity Conservation for its sustained efforts in protecting African elephants. The jury particularly valued its effectiveness in reducing threats such as ivory trafficking, habitat loss, and conflicts with local populations, consolidating a model based on scientific evidence, collaboration, and the direct involvement of communities.
00:00 Introduction
00:06 What value do elephants have for ecosystems and for humanity, and why is it important to protect them?
03:41 How has the organization evolved to address new challenges such as human–elephant coexistence and the protection of elephant habitats?
05:38 What have been the main achievements on these two fronts?
07:22 Save the Elephants operates across 34 African countries. How do you manage such a wide diversity?
08:31 How does the Elephant Crisis Fund identify and rapidly support the most innovative and urgent conservation actions across Africa?
11:44 Why do conflicts sometimes arise between humans and elephants, and how does the toolkit you have developed help mitigate them?
13:35 How has the project contributed to empowering local communities, securing their water resources, and creating employment?
16:09 What does receiving this award mean for your organization?
17:08 What are your future plans? How will you use the award funds?
