Purpose

1. Launched in South Asia in 2003 following a resolution by the COP (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), the MIKE program has two primary objectives:

• To provide valuable data to elephant-range nations, aiding them in making informed decisions on managing and enforcing regulations for their elephant populations.
• To strengthen the long-term capacity of these countries to effectively manage and protect their elephants.

Objectives

• Measure how much illegal hunting of elephants is happening and its trends over time.
• Understand the reasons behind these changes and assess if decisions by the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) are influencing these trends.

Implementation

Data is collected monthly from all sites using specific MIKE patrol forms. This information is then sent to the Sub Regional Support Office for South Asia Program in Delhi, which assists the Ministry in carrying out the program effectively.

Haathi Mere Saathi Campaign

It was launched by The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) partnered with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTT).

Objective: The main goal is to improve the conservation and well-being of elephants, which are considered India’s National Heritage Animal.

Launch Details: The campaign was officially launched at the “Elephant-8” Ministerial meeting in Delhi on May 24, 2011.

E-8 Countries: The campaign involves eight countries, collectively known as E-8, which includes India, Botswana, Republic of Congo, Indonesia, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Thailand.

Campaign Mascot

The campaign has a mascot named ‘Gaju’. This friendly character represents the campaign’s aim to create awareness and establish a connection between people and elephants.

1. Target Audience: The campaign targets various groups, including locals living near elephant habitats, the youth, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

2. Campaign Initiatives:

• The initiative envisions the creation of Gajah (the elephant) centres across the country. These centers are designed to spread awareness about elephants and involve people in addressing threats faced by them.
• The campaign also aims to enhance the capabilities of protection and law enforcement agencies. It advocates for policies that favor elephant conservation.

3. Purpose According to Elephant Task Force:

• The Elephant Task Force (ETF), which provided recommendations, emphasizes the campaign’s mission to “Take Gajah (the elephant) to the prajah (the people).” 
• This signifies spreading awareness and encouraging public participation in elephant conservation and well-being.

4. Elephant Challenges:

• While tigers face the threat of extinction, elephants face the risk of attrition due to increasing pressure on their habitats.
• Asian Elephant Threats: The Asian elephant is threatened by habitat degradation, conflicts with humans, and poaching for ivory. India, with over 50% of the world’s Asian elephant population, faces intensified threats.

5. Elephant Numbers: India has about 25,000 elephants in the wild. Despite this seemingly large number, the campaign highlights the vulnerability of male elephants (tuskers), with only about 1,200 tuskers remaining in the country. This emphasizes the urgency of conservation efforts for these majestic creatures.

Elephant-8 (E-8) Ministerial Meeting

The E-8 ministerial meeting brought together countries from regions that are home to all three species of elephants: Asian elephants, African Bush Elephants, and African Forest Elephants.

Participants in the meeting included key decision-makers, conservationists, scientists, as well as experts in history, art, and culture from the involved countries.

1. 1. Themes of Discussion: The discussions during the meeting revolved around three primary themes:
      1. Science and Conservation: Focused on understanding the scientific aspects of elephant conservation.
      2. Management and Conservation: Explored strategies for effectively managing and conserving elephant populations.
      3. Cultural and Ethical Perspectives of Conservation: Addressed the cultural and ethical dimensions related to elephant conservation.

• Decisions and Resolutions:

1. 1. The meeting concluded with decisions to take necessary actions for the conservation of elephants. 
   2. It was also decided to collectively pursue a common agenda aimed at ensuring the long-term well-being and survival of all elephant species in their respective range countries.

Elephant-50:50 Forum

• The E-8 countries proposed the formation of the Elephant-50:50 Forum. 
• This forum represents a collaborative effort of 50 states, working together with the shared vision of promoting the conservation, management, and welfare of elephants over the next 50 years.

1. International Congress of E-50:50 Forum:
   • As part of their commitment, the E-8 countries planned to hold the 1st International Congress of E-50:50 Forum in early 2013 in New Delhi, India. 
   • The primary goal of this congress was to bring countries together to adopt a unified global vision concerning the conservation, management, and welfare of elephants across all regions.