A series of HECx workshops planned in HEC areas of Tamil Nadu, project sponsored by USFWS. ZOO education team identified local partners in all four places and finalized dates and venues for these workshops. In Tamil Nadu, pre-surveys were conducted in the selected localities and Education materials in local language were developed and used during the workshop series.

Getting along with Elephants HECx (Human Elephant Coexistence), Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu, 18-20 August 2012

Role play

The first workshop of the USFWS sponsored Human Elephant Coexistence HECx educators training was held at Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu from 18-20 August 2012. Major objectives of the workshop are i) to empower educators to confront the issue of HEC and a partial “solution” HECx (Human-Elephant Co-eXistence) and 2. to demonstrate innovative teaching and learning techniques designed to change human attitudes and behaviour for the better. Thirty-six participants from HEC areas of Kalakad, Thirunelveli, Sivagiri, Rajapalayam, Srivilliputher, Saptur, Watrap, Usilampatti, and Madurai took part in this three days workshop. Of the total participants 15 were teachers, 7 graduates and post-graduates involved in conservation education, 7 NGO members, 6 forest personnel, and 1 researcher. The trainees at the end of the workshop committed to create awareness among the public and community utilizing the teaching tools that they learned and promote Human elephant coexistence.

HECx Rajapalayam report in Zoo's Print Magazine

Getting along with Elephants HECx (Human Elephant Coexistence), Ooty, Tamil Nadu, 26-28 September 2012

The second workshop of the USFWS sponsored Human Elephant Coexistence HECx educators training was held at Ooty, Tamil Nadu from 26-28 September 2012. District Forest Officer, Nilgiris south division inaugurated the event. A total of 34 educators participated from Gudalur, Ooty, Conoor, Kothagiri, Masinagudi, Aruvankadu, Earumadu, Kollapalli, and Devala. Of the total participants 13 were teachers, 6 graduates and post-graduates involved in conservation education, 4 NGO members, 6 forest personnel, 2 conservation educators and 3 researchers. Dr. Ramakrishnan, Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, Government Arts College, Ooty coordinated the programme. We greatly appreciate the interest shown by the CEO, Nilgiri District, and also all the educational institutes for their interest, participation and commitment to create awareness in HEC areas of Nilgiri District.

HECx Ooty report in Zoo's Print Magazine

Getting along with Elephants HECx (Human Elephant Coexistence), Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, 11-13 April 2013

Participants with Elephant mask and placard

The third workshop of the USFWS sponsored HECx - Educator Skills Training Workshop was conducted at Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu from 11-13 April 2013.

Drama on rescuing elephants

A scene from role play

This workshop covered Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri Districts of Northern Tamil Nadu. The three-day trainers training programme was conducted with the support of SWORD, a NGO at Krishnagiri. About 45 members of NGOs staff and self-help group leaders including 15 women took part in this. The primary purpose of this training is to reduce incidents leading to death or injury to both human being and animals. The trainees took part in this with much involvement as most of them were from Human-elephant conflict area. They were explained that after the training they should spread the word of coexistence with elephants by following some do’s and don’ts that has to be followed in the presence of elephants. A follow up of all three HECx programmes conducted at Rajapalayam, Ooty and Krishnagiri has been planned now. A refresher course will be organized after three months to understand the success and problems of the training tools used during the workshop.

A scene from drama	Distribution of certificate, packets and memento
HECx Krishnagiri - Participants

Drama - Poacher and the Elephant

HECx Krishnagiri report in Zoo's Print Magazine