IMPACT
IMPACT
Our Journey
At NWA, we believe that humans and wildlife can live peacefully side by side. And, therefore, since we started, we’ve been working closely with local communities and forest teams to reduce conflicts between humans and elephants and protect their natural paths. Step by step, we’ve introduced new ideas, shared knowledge, and taken action on the ground.
Through every village visit, every shared story, and every alert sent in time—we’ve seen how small steps lead to real change. It’s not just about reducing conflict; it’s about trust, safety, and finding ways to live in harmony. When a farmer feels heard, when a forest guard acts quickly, when an elephant crosses safely, that’s when we know our work is making a difference. And this journey is only possible because of the people who walk it with us- local communities, forest teams, and every supporter who believes in peaceful coexistence.
At NWA, we believe that humans and wildlife can live peacefully side by side. And, therefore, since we started, we’ve been working closely with local communities and forest teams to reduce conflicts between humans and elephants and protect their natural paths. Step by step, we’ve introduced new ideas, shared knowledge, and taken action on the ground.
Hear from the People
Panighata Range, Kurseong Division, Community Feedback, 2024
Baikunthapur Division, Community Feedback, 2024
Panighata Range, Kurseong Division, Community Feedback, 2024
Baikunthapur Division, Community Feedback, 2024
Key Achievements Over The Years
Haati-Path (2020)
Launched on 26th August 2020, this initiative created safe passageways for elephants moving through villages — reducing stress to the animals and minimizing human interference.
Elephant Coordination Committee (ECC)
Established and expanded in 2021–22 across the Kurseong Range, supported with mitigation tools and training for frontline community members.
Handbook Launch (2023)
Released on April 13, 2023, this practical guide helps identify individual elephants in field settings.
Workshops with Forest Divisions (2023)
Organized seven high-impact workshops in collaboration with NEWS (Nature Environment and Wildlife Society), covering:
- Bagdogra, Bamonpokhri, Tukuriajhar (Kurseong Division)
- Salugara, Apalchand, Dabgram, Belacoba (Baikunthapur Division)
- Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary (Wildlife-I Division)
Vehicle Support for Forest Monitoring
During corn and paddy seasons (May–July & Sept–Dec 2023), NWA provided fully-equipped vehicles and drivers for HEC mitigation under DFO authorization.
Tech for Conservation
- In November 2019, NWA launched a mobile app-based early alert system to warn communities about nearby elephant movement.
- The app includes real-time tracking and geographic tagging and is available on the Google Play Store.
Looking Ahead
In the coming years, NWA plans to:
- Restore elephant habitats through native vegetation revival
- Curb invasive species growth that disrupts elephant ecosystems
- Expand QRT networks and awareness campaigns across newer regions