Background: The African Elephant Action Plan

This background document outlines the African Elephant Action Plan, adopted by African elephant range States in response to critical threats facing the species. Developed through consensus at the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES, the Plan aims to secure sustainable elephant populations and safeguard their habitats. It emphasizes reducing illegal killing and ivory trade, restoring degraded habitats, and mitigating human-elephant conflict. The document also highlights the importance of engaging local communities, strengthening regional cooperation, and enhancing knowledge of elephant management. By promoting inclusive awareness strategies and supporting transboundary initiatives, the Plan seeks to align ecological preservation with socio-economic benefits. It reflects a shared commitment among 38 African countries to ensure the long-term survival of African elephants through coordinated conservation actions, robust monitoring, and stakeholder engagement.