Local communities in Ukhiya have been urged not to approach or drive away elephants when the animals enter human settlements, but instead keep a safe distance and immediately inform the Forest Department or Elephant Response Team (ERT).
The call was made at an awareness meeting at Jaliapalong High School in Ukhiya on Tuesday, marking World Elephant Day.
Participants also called for coordinated efforts by the Forest Department, local administration, elected representatives and communities to reduce human-elephant conflict and strengthen the protection of elephant habitats and movement corridors.
The event was organised by Arannayk Foundation under its “Scaling Up Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation, Intervention, Strengthening Institutional Linkage, and Evaluating Effectiveness” project, funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Speaking at the meeting, Abdullah Al Mamun, Divisional Forest Officer of the Cox’s Bazar South Forest Division, said people should immediately inform the Forest Department or ERT when elephants enter settlements rather than attempting to drive them away.
Participants said the expansion of agriculture, human settlements and other structures in forest and hilly areas is reducing elephant habitats and traditional movement routes. As a result, elephants are increasingly entering settlements, increasing the risk of conflict with people.
Speakers stressed that simply removing elephants from settlements during incidents is not enough. Protecting habitats and movement routes, raising community awareness and strengthening rapid response mechanisms are also necessary.
They also highlighted the ecological importance of elephants, particularly their role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration. Often described as “ecosystem engineers,” elephants contribute to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. Protecting their habitats and movement corridors can therefore support elephant conservation while reducing risks to human lives, livelihoods and property.
Mohammad Ullah, Upazila Secondary Education Officer, Dr. Mohammad Abdul Motaleb, Executive Director of Arannayk Foundation, Babla Mahajan, Natural Resources Management Specialist at FAO, Sikandar Ali, Assistant Head Teacher of Jaliapalong High School, and Shafiul Alam, Inani Range Officer, attended the meeting as special guests.
The event also featured quiz and drawing competitions. Winners received commemorative crests, certificates and tree saplings.
World Elephant Day is observed every year on August 12 to raise awareness about elephants and strengthen their conservation and protection.