Community Media Initiative: Reducing Human-Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka...

"The best way to protect both elephants and people is to empower the communities that live beside them."

A Digital Solution to Save Lives—Both Human and Elephant

Every year, 400 elephants and over 100 people die in Sri Lanka due to human-elephant conflict (HEC). In the Vanni-Helambawa region, where habitat loss and farming expansions collide, the struggle is especially severe—threatening wildlife, crops, and families.

How We’re Changing the Story

Traditional solutions like fences and trenches haven’t stopped the conflict. That’s why New School of Training is launching a Community Media Initiative—a tech-driven, youth-powered approach to prevent clashes before they happen.

Our Three-Pronged Strategy

1. Real-Time Alerts, Faster Responses

   • A verified WhatsApp/Telegram alert network tracks elephant movements.

   • AI helps filter false reports, ensuring only accurate warnings reach communities.

   • Goal: Reduce surprise encounters by 80%.

2. Training the Next Generation of Eco-Reporters

   • We equip farmers and youth with skills in social media journalism, elephant behavior, and conflict resolution.

   • These 50+ trained moderators become local leaders in HEC prevention.

3. Changing Mindsets Through "5P" Awareness

   • Podcasts, school programs, and social media campaigns promote:

     • Planet (conservation)

     • People (safety)

     • Prosperity (sustainable farming)

     • Peace (coexistence)

     • Partnership (community-government collaboration)

Why This Works

✅ Tech + Tradition: Combines AI and local knowledge for smarter conflict prevention.
✅ Youth Leadership: Young people drive change through digital storytelling and advocacy.
✅ Scalable Model: Success here can expand to Ampara, Polonnaruwa, and beyond.

Join the " BIG LOVE" Movement

We’re seeking:      

• Partners (NGOs, telecom companies, wildlife agencies)
• Volunteers (content creators, trainers, community organizers)
• Supporters (donors, advocates, sharers)

🌍 Be part of the solution. Share. Support. Act... Together, we can turn conflict into coexistence.

📩 Contact Us:
Ms Chulani | Mr Dayananda | Mrs Sharmila | Mr Munir | Mr Wasantha | Dr Dasanayake

newschoolgced@ gmail.com | +94770619190 |