KINABATANGAN – It’s about nurturing empathy and compassion for elephants in each child, with the ultimate goal of fostering a future generation that understands and values the coexistence of humans and elephants.
Alexander Yee, chairman of the Responsible Elephant Conservation Trust (Respect), had that goal in mind when he began the World Elephant Programme in 2024 at the Nature Lodge Kinabatangan, Bilit.
The event, themed “Cherishing Giants: Celebrating the Majesty of Elephants,” brought together 40 pupils from SK Bilit and their teachers to participate in various activities designed to raise awareness about these gentle giants.
Held last Sunday, the programme featured an educational talk on elephants, an interactive trivia quiz, and a craft session.
However, the highlight was the planting of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), with pupils and teachers getting their hands dirty as they planted the favourite food of the Borneo Pygmy Elephant.
This effort ensured that elephants in the area have access to nutritious food.
More than 1,600 kg of Napier grass stems were planted on half an acre of land, with the hope that this area would attract elephants away from villages and crops, thereby preventing or at least reducing human-elephant conflicts.
Yee expressed his hope to “touch the hearts” of as many children as possible, ultimately making everyone aware that elephants are part of our world and that we must coexist, sharing this earth with them.
He said that SK Bilit was the first school that had participated in the programme, and with the help of the school’s headmaster, M. Sarip Hakim, he is expecting more schools to participate in the Napier grass planting programme.
“I think it is important to provide an accurate explanation to the public, especially the younger generations (through schools) here, on the behaviours, characteristics, and needs of the elephants and expose them to the conservation efforts that must be continued in the future.
“We aim to create a harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants by fostering a deeper understanding and respect for these magnificent creatures,” he said.
Yee said that local villagers generally hold a neutral or positive view towards elephants and wildlife. They understand that both elephants and humans are part of the ecosystem and must coexist harmoniously.
“However, this understanding often changes when elephants intrude into their plantations or properties, causing damage to crops or property. When this happens, the villagers may become angry and take actions they consider necessary to protect their livelihoods,” he said.
“While these challenges exist, providing food for the elephants through Napier grass planting is one effective way to reduce human-elephant conflicts.”
Respect’s mission is to promote and implement effective elephant conservation strategies, ensuring the protection and survival of elephants through education, community involvement, and sustainable practices.
In May, Scoop reported that Respect, with funding from the Intrepid Foundation, planted Napier grass on a one-acre plot owned by Yee, located next to the Nature Lodge Kinabatangan in Bilit, about 132-km from Sandakan.
The project was proven to be a success. On July 23, a family of elephants consisting of six adults and a baby appeared at the plot to eat the grass.
Yee said that the planting has to be an ongoing effort to ensure sufficient food supply for the elephants.
With the same idea of planting Napier grass for elephants, the Sabah Tourism Culture and Environment Ministry, under the leadership of its minister Datuk Christina Liew, is currently in the process of setting up a food corridor, involving a much larger area, with funding from a Japanese donour. – August 13, 2024
