A great start to 2017, with the governments of Belgium, France and Netherlands supporting the African Elephant Fund with contributions towards conservation efforts for the African elephant.

From the Belgian Head of CITES Environment, Multilateral and Strategic Business Unit, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Environmental Development and Climate Branch, and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs,Department of Nature .

A total of €222,500.00 has been received for implementation of the African Elephant Action Plan in the African range States. These funds shall enhance the capacity of the range States to conserve, protect and restore the elephant populations and habitats.

In line with the objectives outlined in the African Elephant Action Plan projects in the different regions shall be inaugurated to strengthen range States

Knowledge of African elephant management, improving local communities cooperation and collaboration on conservation, reducing human elephant conflict, as well as reducing illegal killing of elephants and illegal trade in elephant products.

With the support and generous donations from international partners and donors the following will be accomplished:

• Cooperation between the range states will be strengthened
• Improving technologies and enhance enforcement mechanisms to combat poaching
• Reduce illegal trade,and prevent threats to the African elephants

In keeping up with its mandate the AEF and the community will ensure the range States are able to play a key role in the conservation of the African elephants for for the future