BANGKOK, 16 June 2014 – The National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP) has invited all sectors to contribute to Thailand’s Wild Elephant Food Security Fund (TEFS).
Nipon Chotibal, the acting Director-General of DNP, unveiled the performance of the TEFS from February 2nd, 2012 to January 31, 2014, when a total of 2,522,755 Baht in donations was contributed to the Fund for the purpose of alleviating damage caused by wild elephants stampeding through agricultural crops.
On June 11th, the Fund approved a 559,711.90 baht budget to help 54 people whose livelihoods were affected by the wild elephants.
He also stated that addressing the problem between humans and elephants is very difficult since people now farm in closer proximity to forests. The fund was therefore established to help villagers, on the condition that they have legal land titles. The Department has to find the best solution for all concerned, especially as wild animals cannot claim their legal rights.
Meanwhile, he has urged all sectors to support the Fund as there is currently not much much money remaining in the account. Those wishing to assist may donate via Krungthai Bank, Paholyothin 39 branch, A/C no. 039-0-35626-3. The donation can also be claimed as a tax deduction.
