Communities Seek Damages Over Elephant Relocation Project

Rural communities along the Malawi-Zambia border are taking legal action against an international animal conservation group over a contentious elephant relocation project.

The communities, claiming to have suffered significant losses and damages, seek compensation from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) for relocating over 260 elephants to the area in 2022.

According to the communities, the elephants have killed at least 12 people, injured others, and destroyed crops and property, causing millions of dollars in damage.

“We are not against conservation, but we cannot continue to live in fear of these animals,” said a community spokesperson. “We urge the IFAW to take responsibility for their actions and provide compensation for the damages we have suffered.”

The IFAW has expressed sadness over the human- wildlife conflict but denies any wrongdoing, stating that the Malawi government was responsible for the relocation project.

“The IFAW’s role in the relocation project was limited to providing financial and technical support,” said an IFAW spokesperson. “We understand the concerns of the local communities and are committed to working with them to find a solution.”

The case highlights the challenges that African countries face in balancing wildlife conservation with the needs of local communities.

The communities are being represented by the British law firm Leigh Day, which has sent letters to the IFAW’s business entities in the UK, Malawi, and Zambia. If a resolution is not reached, the firm plans to file a claim against the IFAW in a British court.