Why resolving human-wildlife conflicts makes business sense
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Palm farmers in rural Kinabatangan are no strangers to elephants. Smallholders have had to deal with encroachment four times in June alone, once involving an 80-strong herd, they tell Eco-Business writer Siva Selan who was recently in Sabah, Malaysia. Most of these palm oil plantations had been converted from forested land.
Officials are now trying to better protect the region’s pygmy elephants – recently declared endangered – while getting the buy-in of farmers. Policymakers believe forest corridors can keep elephants away from plantations, while conservationists say farmers should learn to tolerate greater coexistence with wildlife. The situation in Sabah exemplifies Southeast Asia’s conservation dilemma, with economic priorities in conflict with rapid biodiversity loss.
We delve deep into this topic of businesses aligning financing with nature protection in an upcoming masterclass in September with UNEP FI, as part of our Unlocking capital for sustainability summit. Last call, too, to register for our first subscriber-only EB Hangout with Singapore's urban farmers happening tomorrow. See you there!
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