Development of locally-applicable human-elephant conflict mitigation methods in rural Cambodia and Conservation Capacity Building for national project managers.

Only in the past two years has human-elephant conflict been examined systematically in Cambodia. With the establishment of the nationwide human-elephant conflict response units (in-part funded through IEF), a hub and communication network has now been established throughout the rural areas of Cambodia. Rapid responses have meant that local people and agriculture officials have had access to the latest mitigation advice provided by trained field staff. This project has been so successful that no retribution killings of elephants have been reported since project startup. In the coming year, project activities will continue with an increased focus upon improving the mitigation methods available including the development of improved chili-based agriculture (such as growing methods and seed sourcing), and the initiation of transferring project responsibility to national agencies to ensure project sustainability.