Where there is demand, there is supply. We must focus on diminishing demand as well as cutting the supply chain. Many people who purchase ivory unfortunately believe that it is harvested from live elephants and do not realise that the elephants are slaughtered.

Ivory serves no purpose for man, other than as pretty ornaments, for which the elephant pays the ultimate price. So our education reaches beyond Africa to the consumers that drive the demand.

It is not only the ivory trade that affects the survival of African elephants. Many products that we have come to rely on in the West need valuable raw materials from Africa. For example, coltan is a rare mineral that is used in mobile phones and other electrical appliances. It originates in the Congo forest, which is the home of endangered forest elephants and gorillas. These resources are mostly harvested illegally in an uncontrolled and unsustainable manner. By making our appliances last and recycling them responsibly we can decrease the market for coltan, and therefore protect the habitat of elephants.

Elephants for Africa team members regularly attend schools and youth groups in North America, Europe and Africa to give educational and motivational talks. The purpose is to engage children in the environment and their role in conservation. Educating young people on how their lives and actions can have an impact on the environment, both locally and internationally, is an important step towards protecting elephants in the future.

Team members are available to visit schools and clubs to give talks. Please contact us on info@elephantsforafrica.org if you are interested.

Local travel costs to be covered and donations appreciated.