The "Larger than Elephants" report is now officially released !

Commissioner Neven Mimica addressed a public ceremony on Thursday 26 November in the Berlaymont, to celebrate the official release of the report "Larger than Elephants – inputs for an EU strategic approach to wildlife conservation in Africa". The event was organised by Unit C2 of DG-DEVCO – "Environment, ecosystems, biodiversity and wildlife" – in close collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Both NGOs provided very relevant insights about how much conserving wildlife and ecosystems is key for ensuring not only sustainable development but even also security.

The Ambassador of Gabon Mrs. Félicité Ngoubili as well as the Dutch Permanent Representation to the EU, as up-coming EU Presidency, enhanced the ceremony by providing points of view from an African country and an EU Member-State.

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Commissioner Neven Mimica introducing the ceremony

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Ambassador of Gabon presenting Gabon's policy for wildlife

Larger than elephants is a prime example of the EU flagship B4Life’s "joined-up" and concerted approach: it documents a major initiative of the European Commission on African wildlife with contributions and validation from a wide range of specialised organisations and high-level specialists. The document has received the support of all major actors in the conservation community and its findings will inform EU policy in Africa, including action against wildlife trafficking.

This study demonstrates that a sound management of natural ecosystems not only protects endangered species and fragile habitats, but provides long-term food security to poor people in forests (e.g. bushmeat; genetic pool for crops), guarantees the provision of fundamental services (e.g. water provision; climate regulation; enhanced resilience). It also shows the importance of the actions against illegal wildlife trafficking for peace-keeping security for civil population in weak states.

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You said larger than elephants?

The report, in English and in French, is available by clicking on the links below.