By expanding the model of inter-country cooperation presented by CITES, transfrontier conservation has the potential to promote conservation across borders by utilizing ecotourism as an economic incentive and including communities in grassroots initiatives. My research included analyses of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and African Elephant Conservation Act (AECA), as well as case studies of NGOs including Elephants Without Borders and Peace Parks Foundation.

1. If Elephants Could Speak...
And Why We Should Listen
Alexandra Talleur

2. This is a comparative historical analysis of the
global and grassroots efforts to save the
African elephant species.
I argue that cross-border initiatives are the
future of conservation.

3. Their plight began with the ivory trade.
Long valued for their tusks,
African elephant
populations declined from
an estimated 1.2 million in
the 1970s to roughly
500,000 today.

4. Ending the ivory trade.

5. Habitat loss and human-elephant conflict pose
one of the biggest challenges for conservationists
and politicians alike.

7. “We do now, through trade
monitoring processes, have a
greatly improved understanding
of the current situation on the
ground, the ivory trade dynamics
facing the species across its range
and the market drivers behind this
trade.”
– Dr. Holly Dublin, Chair of IUCN’s African Elephant Specialist Group.

8. Innovating in their time of need.

9. Colonialism in Africa
fragmented cultures,
communities and
ecosystems.
It imposed political
borders that have left a
legacy of conflict for
humans, and are
obstructing the flow of
wildlife between nations.

10. Now, cross-border
initiatives are creating
hope.

13. Ecotourism has the potential to boost local
livelihoods while preserving natural resources.

14. Elephants push conservationists and politicians
to go beyond borders physically and psychologically
for greater impact.