Pernod Ricard India Foundation and WWF India announce partnership to secure the future of wild elephants in Assam!
New Delhi, 13 October 2020: The recently published Living Planet Report 2020 outlines the unprecedented biodiversity loss the world has witnessed over the last 46 years, with a 68% decline in the population of wildlife. The Asian elephant, being a keystone species, plays an integral role in forest and grassland ecosystems and humanity’s relationship with nature. However, dwindling forest cover, loss of habitat and shrinking movement spaces have paved the way for increased conflict with humans with heavy damage on both ends.
Pernod Ricard India Foundation and WWF India aim to conserve the Asian elephant through effective human-elephant conflict management in Assam. The project will work across 150 villages in Kamrup, Sonitpur, Biswanath, and Nagaon districts and train community members on effective situation management by developing a toolkit and forming anti-depredation squads, which would help them protect their property, crops, and lives.
The project will build on WWF India’s experience on human-elephant conflict management in Assam, developed over the last two decades. These measures include the use of anti-depredation squads, innovative and low-cost fences, and diverse awareness raising measures. Some of these measures undertaken with the active participation of local communities and the Assam Forest Department have demonstrated the potential to ensure the safety and well-being of local communities and the endangered Asian elephant.
Talking about the program, Thibault Cuny, MD and CEO, Pernod Ricard India, said, “Creating a positive impact on the environment and the community that we are a part of, is a responsibility we take very seriously and we measure our growth, not only through the economic value we generate but also through the value and gains, that we create for our society and environment. Pernod Ricard’s Global Sustainability and Responsibility Roadmap 2030 outlines a clear path for us to protect and nurture our terroir; by focusing on biodiversity preservation. We are happy to partner with WWF India in this program which will help create long-term convivial relationship between humans and elephants to drive a larger restorative co-existence.”
With creation of a ‘Safe Ele-Fence’ manual, communities will also be equipped with training, supplies, and institutional support for the construction of low-cost elephant-safe solar-powered fences. The program will also include training of Forest Department staff, in partnership with the State Forest Department of Assam to ensure long-term sustainability of conservation efforts on ground.
Speaking about the partnership, Dr. Dipankar Ghose, Director, Wildlife and Habitats, WWF India, said, “We welcome Pernod Ricard India Foundation’s support to conserve elephants and reduce conflict in four districts of Assam. The Asian elephant is the largest terrestrial species in India and requires vast stretches of forest and open land. This partnership will help secure the populations of Asian elephants in Assam by working closely with local communities and the Forest and Railway departments of the state.”
With COVID-19 highlighting the clear link between biodiversity loss and large-scale pandemics, it has become imperative for government, businesses and non-profits to act swiftly before it’s too late. Over the past years, Pernod Ricard India Foundation has engaged more than 30,000 farmers to promote community-level biodiversity conservation with regenerative natural resource management and this strategic partnership is another step to deliver on its commitments to protect nature.
About Pernod Ricard India Foundation
Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF) aims drive sustainable solutions to address social, economic & environment sustainability while partnering in India’s development initiatives. aims to shape a better future for ~900,000 lives across 19 states by focusing on water resource management, education, livelihood generation, healthcare, and empowering social change makers.
Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF), a Section 8 Company incorporated under Companies Act, 2013, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pernod Ricard India Private Limited (PRIPL) to fulfill its commitment to the cause of Creating Shared Value with Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. PRIPL is a fully owned subsidiary of Pernod Ricard SA and is a fast-growing multinational alcohol beverage company delivering quality products to its consumers across the country. With leading brands in each category, Pernod Ricard holds one of the most dynamic and premium portfolios in the industry.
About WWF-India
WWF India is committed to creating and demonstrating practical solutions that conserve India’s ecosystems and rich biodiversity. Marking 50 years of conservation journey in the country, WWF India works towards finding science-based and sustainable solutions to address challenges at the interface of development and conservation. Today, with over 70 offices across 20 states, WWF India’s work spans across thematic areas including the conservation of key wildlife species and their habitats, management of rivers, wetlands, and their ecosystems, climate change adaptation, driving sustainable solutions for business and agriculture, empowering local communities as stewards of conservation, combating illegal wildlife trade and inspiring students and citizens to take positive action for the environment through outreach and awareness campaigns. WWF India is part of the WWF International Network, with presence in over 100 countries across the globe.
