Governance Practices in Mitigating Human-Elephant Conflicts in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam

Abstract

Abstract Human-elephant conflicts (HEC) have become a significant concern due to their implications for both biodiversity conservation and human livelihoods. It has become a serious issue in Asian countries, particularly in Vietnam. This paper explores the effective governance strategies and good practices to mitigate human-elephant conflict in Dong Nai province, Vietnam. Through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and secondary data analysis, this article aims to identify and evaluate the practices that have been employed to mitigate these conflicts. The participatory observation was conducted over ten years, from 2013 to 2023, and 28 interviews were carried out with conservation experts, local government officials and residents. As a result, the study identified the causes, solutions, and outcomes of 10 years of governance practices addressing HEC. It also found an increase in the elephant population and improvement in their health status in Dong Nai. Importantly, the study found that good governance practices have reduced conflict and improved local livelihoods. Finally, this article proposes a governance model for human-elephant conflict mitigation operated by a triangular connection between the state, the community, and conservation groups in initial strategies related to minimizing human-elephant conflict. This model aims to achieve two main goals: protecting elephant herds, increasing their population, and safeguarding agricultural production areas. These findings provide insights for policymakers, conservationists, and local communities in their efforts to achieve harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants.