Facilitating human-elephant coexistence in Asia

GlobalGiving Joint Report Feb 2026 Project #58265 –

Facilitating human-elephant coexistence in Asia

YOU Made This Happen: Transforming Lives Through Elephant-Friendly Farming

The quarter’s reporting period marked continued progress in project implementation, made possible through the sustained support and commitment of donors and partners. However, this quarter was significantly impacted by Cyclone Ditwah, which brought unexpected heavy rainfall and flooding across several project areas, disrupting field activities and delaying planned interventions. While seasonal rains had been anticipated and factored into planning, the severity and sudden onset of the cyclone posed considerable challenges for both communities and field operations.

Despite these setbacks, the team continued working closely with farming communities to strengthen their capacity to coexist with elephants, while also supporting sustainable livelihood initiatives. Efforts during the period focused on practical conflict-mitigation measures, resilience-building activities, and maintaining engagement with affected communities as they navigated post-cyclone recovery.

Alternative Crop Project: Over 15,000 saplings planted!

With your continued support, the alternative crop distribution program remains a key component of our efforts to strengthen livelihoods and reduce human–elephant conflict. To date, the project has successfully planted over 15,000 saplings across participating farms, supporting families to transition toward more sustainable and elephant-resistant crop choices.

This reporting quarter was significantly impacted by Cyclone Ditwah, which brought heavy rainfall and flooding across several project areas, disrupting field activities and affecting crop survival. Post-cyclone assessments showed mixed outcomes: moringa was severely affected, with only about 25% surviving, while local orange and lemon varieties proved far more resilient, with approximately 92% survival. These findings are now informing ongoing discussions on future crop selection.

Despite these challenges, the project remains on track. As saplings for the next phase had already been procured, distribution is continuing in a phased and cautious manner, prioritizing suitable locations and farmer readiness. Ongoing field monitoring will guide adjustments to strengthen future implementation and ensure long-term success.

Behavioral Study: Phase 3 begins!

During this period, drone-based monitoring activities remained on hold as the team continued the approval process with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. In the meantime, ground-based monitoring systems continued to operate without interruption.

The network of camera traps installed along the key elephant corridor remained fully functional and continued to provide valuable data on elephant movement patterns. Minor technical issues were observed in a small number of devices, including water ingress and reduced audio clarity following the earlier flooding. These were promptly addressed by the field technician team, ensuring that monitoring continuity was maintained.

In Memory of a Trusted Caretaker

This reporting period also continued to be marked by the loss of Mr. Perera, our long-serving caretaker of our field office, whose unexpected passing in December deeply affected the entire team. His dedication and quiet commitment over four years played an important role in supporting field operations. The project team remains in close contact with his family and continues to extend support in recognition of his invaluable contribution.

Links:

• Visit our homepage to learn more about Trunks & Leaves' work
• Adopt a wild Asian elephant calf to support our work
• 3. Read our latest blog about Asian elephants!