In response to the growing concerns surrounding human-wildlife interactions (HWI) in India, ClimateRISE Alliance partners- The Coexistence Consortium, The Corbett Foundation, Aranyak and Dasra (ClimateRISE Secretariat), convened a media roundtable titled “From Conflict to Coexistence” on 7th February at Gateway Grandeur, Assam. As urbanization, climate change, and deforestation reshape India’s landscapes, encounters between humans and wildlife are becoming increasingly common, often with tragic consequences. In Assam, the growing human-wildlife interactions, particularly involving elephants, highlight the challenges of coexistence in a changing landscape. These interactions often arise from the encroachment of human settlements into elephant corridors or the depletion of natural resources like food and water for wildlife, exacerbated by climate change. Addressing human-wildlife conflict in India requires a multifaceted approach. Beyond human encroachment, other factors contributing to human-elephant conflicts in Assam include natural habitat fragmentation, seasonal migration patterns, and changes in the elephant’s food sources. Droughts or floods can force elephants to venture into human-dominated landscapes in search of resources. Additionally, poaching and illegal wildlife trade further threaten elephant populations, making them more likely to wander into unsafe territories, exacerbating tensions with communities.
The roundtable sought to encourage responsible, well-informed media reporting on these incidents, shifting the focus from sensationalism to constructive and solution-oriented dialogue. Leading conservation experts and journalists came together to examine how the media can play a crucial role in shaping public understanding of HWI. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Anupam Sarmah from World Wildlife Fund, India; Bibhuti Lahkar and Dr. Alolika Sinha from Aranyak; Seema Lokhandwala and Amir Chhetri from The Coexistence Consortium, Ashish Thoke from The Corbett Foundation and media professionals were also present to exchange insights and voice concerns. As Assam faces rapid urbanization and environmental pressures, the media’s responsibility to present factual, nuanced narratives becomes even more significant. The roundtable highlighted how climate change is exacerbating HWI by pushing wildlife closer to human settlements, increasing the potential for conflict. Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, Program Secretary, Aaranyak, said, “In the last five years, we’ve seen over 300 elephants killed, highlighting the severity of the issue. As more elephants are unable to move freely, the problem deepens. With ongoing infrastructure development, the situation for elephants worsens, and increasing deforestation only adds to the challenges. The drying up of water bodies and the hunt for conflict over land are root causes behind this conflict. Media coverage tends to focus only on death, but the injuries and their long-term effects on livelihoods need attention as well. These aspects must be covered, and we also need the judiciary to be more responsive in addressing these issues.”
“Elephants are often named in ways that reflect their actions, such as ‘Laden,’ to highlight destructive behavior, while others, like the ‘Maharaj,’ are idolized. This tendency to label too quickly can shape perceptions unfairly. The media has the opportunity to use neutral language when addressing such situations, allowing for a more balanced and thoughtful perspective,” said Seema Lokhandwala, The Coexistence Consortium.Dr. Anupam Sarmah, Team Leader of the Brahmaputra Landscape in Assam, World Wildlife Fund – India, said, “While initiatives are being taken and programs are ongoing, the need remains massive, and the reach is still limited given the scale of the situation. Visible change may not be immediate, but positive progress is happening slowly. Social media plays a significant role—it can support or hinder progress by spreading fake news and shaping opinions. The media must collaborate closely with organizations to ensure accurate information is shared. With attention spans shrinking, people are likely to engage with quick content such as reels rather than long articles. It’s essential for all stakeholders to ramp up efforts in spreading awareness about fake news and its impact.”
