When I see an elephant ___

‘When did you last see an elephant?’ Over the course of two days we asked players this question, and heard varied answers that often transformed into captivating tales about their experiences with pachyderms. We were at ATREE’s 25th Anniversary event, and the context for this question was the play-testing for a board-game we’ve created with elephant-human conflict as the theme.

The board game itself was first designed in 2016, with the aim being to emulate human-elephant conflict in India. In 2019, my colleagues Nandini and Shashank worked with Tejaswini N to create the second iteration of the design. The game was play-tested with friends and family in February and March 2020, before the pandemic curtailed any future development. In July 2022, Tejaswani suggested that we apply to play-test the game at a board-game event ATREE was hosting in Bangalore as part of their 25th anniversary celebration. ATREE accepted our application, and we began production.

Prior to producing the physical prototype, Aswathy S and I ran online trials of the game. We set up the play-test online in Figma for over two weeks, with wildlife biologists, ecologists, geographers and even a climate-scientist joining us! While we played to see as many instances of play as possible, one particular game stuck with me. Elephant movement in the game was hindered, and the player had the option to relocate the elephant to the nearest sanctuary. However, the nearest sanctuary was full and was unable to accept the elephant. This quandary prompted a wildlife biologist to remark; ‘… makes one question the true carrying capacity of our sanctuaries.’ 

Screengrab of a play-test online in Figma.

Once we had enough evidence to finalise on a physical prototype, I had it produced in person in Mumbai. It was by a chance that I was able to produce it quicker than expected; the combination of being in Mumbai, and in vicinity of previous contacts capable of delivering a quality-prototype that is easy to engage with.

On 17th August, we set out from Panjim to Bangalore by road. Our route passed through Mollem, another one of India’s various protected areas that’s threatened by fragmentation from linear infrastructure projects. Occurrence of human–wildlife conflict (HWC) increases when humans negatively affect the needs of wildlife or vice versa. It’s a difficult topic to navigate because such conflicts can cause damage to property &/ life. On the other hand, one major cause of human–wildlife conflict is increasing the human population next to wildlife habitats. In this game, players take on the role of villagers who defend their farms and villages from elephant movement through strategic fence placement and a bit of luck.

ATREE’s contribution to the field of conservation is extensive, while also pioneering knowledge systems to tackle complex conservation problems. The opportunity to learn from this room was exhilarating. On day one, we set the table up with our play elements for a brief period in the first half and then hosted a few game-plays during the second half. The first person to approach the table was a gentleman who walked past and then walked back up to enquire what was on the table. His curiosity was piqued after reading the title of the game! After our brief explanation, he spoke about the migration of the elephants in the Uttara Kannada and the consequent fear of spotting a jumbo. We took a break for lunch and then made our way to Dr. Nitin Sekar’s talk on conserving species that cause harm to us. His words on empathy for elephants resonated yet again before we returned to run more sessions with newer participants and conservation enthusiasts.

On the second day, we put out a post on social media inviting people to come play test with us. Before we started the setup, we visited our fellow participants at the board game event. I found a game on implementing local-level policies to reduce carbon emissions by two students of public policy engaging.

In our elephant-human conflict game, the player who plays first is determined by the answer to the question - ‘When did you last see an elephant?’ The participant with the most recent encounter begins the game, and then the game continues clockwise. Our first play-testers were a policy student and research assistant. The mechanics of the game were slightly complex to grasp before the game began, but as the game progressed, our play-testers made clearer strategic movements.

While we ran more sessions on the second day, there were particular instances of game-play that were most fascinating. In my opinion, the most thought-provoking game was the one where the players were a wildlife student, a conservation scientist, a professor of sociology, and a product designer. One of them was a board game enthusiast while for the others, it was the first time they were playing a  strategy game. One was a field practitioner and another was aiming to be one. Lessons were imparted on contextual sociology, game mechanics and idealism. Some of the conversations floating out over the board were - ‘Why do the sanctuaries have to be two hexes apart? No need for defragmentation, push all human development away from them’ or ‘What happens when the elephant is directed away from the board? It’s annihilated / It’s relocated to a sanctuary.’ Decisions made by the participants reflected their principles in ecological practices itself. As the rounds progressed idealism and realism clashed further.

Discussions on game play and context.

The second most fascinating game was when I played with two students of design from IISc. One of them had clear prior experience of human-wildlife conflict and the other participant did not. This was clearly displayed in the manner in which the game was played. One of them prioritised protecting farms and villages, while the other person conducted back-to-back development activities. Strategic play, and some luck, resulted in the person without prior wildlife experience winning the game. Their feedback suggested that we implement a particular model to randomise elephant movement in the game. While there are articles and papers to be read on the topic, the prospect itself is exciting! 

The last game at the event was my favourite one out of all, because it was the first game I had been completely kicked out of! The participants of the game were my friends from Bangalore. One of them was a friend from architecture college who now worked as a UX researcher, another a biotech major I’d met as part of a summer school programme earlier in the year, and the final participant was a pleasant surprise. We had been working together virtually for months, but didn’t recognize each other until our introduction. It was a chance meeting in real-life which was wholesome! The play itself was interesting to me because it clearly portrayed their personalities. There was an attempt to work with the commons, there was an aggressive development bid as well as a plea for a neutral stance, while I watched the game unfold from the sidelines. 

There are enormous gaps in ecological awareness beyond protected areas and lived experiences involving wildlife. I’ve been able to witness the varying conclusions of hypothetical choices, hear the flight or fight choices by humans and elephants alike. The experience of working, producing, and hosting this game has been unlike any other.

Comms. for Conservation

Environmental conservation is crucial for safeguarding natural resources, biodiversity, and the environment. Effective communication plays a vital role in this effort, enabling conservation professionals to share their research and insights with the public, policymakers, and other scientists. In India, where conservation challenges are many and diverse, conservation communication is vital for the success of (current and future) conservation efforts. From protecting endangered species and preserving natural habitats, to raising awareness about environmental issues and advocating for policy changes, there are a wide range of conservation efforts underway in the country. Effective communication in conservation science involves presenting information in a clear, accurate, relevant, and engaging manner, which is essential for conveying the importance and impact of these efforts, while ensuring that the right messages reach the right audiences.

I began drafting this blog approximately three months after beginning this new role. At that time, I attempted to map out the potential responsibilities and understand the unique aspects of this communication role compared to others. However, the draft sat unused for an extended period. A colleague once mentioned that writing serves as a way to document thoughts for future reference. Now, after a year in this role, I have a clearer understanding of its significance to me and in context. In the coming year, I hope to continue learning and growing in understanding.

Mapping the Conservation Communications Role at TfW.

In communications, it is important to narrow the scope of work based on the intended audience and the available medium. This ensures that the message is tailored to the specific needs and interests of the audience, and that it is delivered in the most effective way.

When determining the scope of work, the first step is to identify the purpose of the communication. What is the message that needs to be conveyed, and to whom? Understanding the intent of the communication helps focus the content and determine the most appropriate medium for delivery. Next, the audience and the medium that will be used to reach them is to be considered. Will the communication be directed at a general public, a specific group of stakeholders, or a single individual? Will it be delivered through a website, a social media platform, in a virtual/ in-person meeting, or some other medium? The choice of medium is dictated by the needs and preferences of the audience, as well as the resources and capabilities at disposal at the organisation.

By taking the time to carefully consider the intent and access to medium, one can narrow the scope of work in communications and ensure that the message is delivered effectively and efficiently. This can help to maximise the impact and effectiveness of the communication, and achieve the desired results.

Accessibility is a huge part of communication, especially via social media, because it allows for a wider audience to be able to use and engage with the platforms. This includes ensuring the platforms and their content are accessible to people of all abilities, as well as those using various devices and internet connections. For instance, social media platforms can enhance content accessibility by offering features like closed captions for videos, alt text for images, and adjustable font sizes to better serve users with diverse visual needs. In addition, social media platforms may use responsive design to ensure that their content is easy to read and navigate on a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets. By prioritising accessibility, one can ensure that their content is available and usable to as many people as possible.

One way to make visuals in our work more accessible is through thoughtful design of cartographic media. This involves using clear and legible fonts, providing context with labels and keys, and selecting appropriate color schemes to convey information.

Designing maps to suit publication needs, from initial QGIS output to final publication.

Being a conservation communicator has taught me the value of flexibility in managing diverse tasks. My tasks tend to range from external communication efforts to internal tasks like preparing meeting reports, organising and archiving our extensive digital data, and handling collaboration requests or non-routine research. Day-to-day activities may fall under any of the following sub-categories: developing and implementing a communications strategy, creating content for various channels, coordinating work with partner-collaborator organisations, supporting team members to communicate their work, and participating in events and conferences.

This role is slightly different while working in the field, where my focus is on documenting the team's actions and efforts. This involves capturing the team's work through various forms of media, such as photos and videos, in order to provide a record of the team's progress and accomplishments. This documentation is vital to share the team's work with a wider audience and showcase the impact of TfW efforts.

Initially, determining the most effective approach for each task was a challenge, but by aligning technical requirements with available skills and refining workflows through trial and error, efficiency was achieved. Though adhering to this workflow has allowed for a smoother and more productive process; it is important to continuously assess and adjust work flows in conjunction with need and time constraints.

Workflow for a blog production at TfW.

In mid-July 2022, we altered our approach towards social media by treating it as an archive of our work rather than an instant form of communication. This shift allowed us to showcase the impact of long-term funding on the quality of our conservation efforts, rather than simply updates on current events. Without the pressure of immediate deadlines, we could devote more time to the work itself, resulting in a richer and more thoughtful representation of TfW’s efforts. 

An example for the same is our work on understanding the PARIVESH portal for conservation advocacy. We conducted an internal session with our consultants on PARIVESH, in early 2022. The portal has a wealth of data about all projects, both new and old, that are looking for green clearances, organised by state, year, category, and approval status. Knowing potential areas of intervention is essential for effective conservation advocacy, which makes it necessary to have a thorough grasp of what happens at each stage of approval. By March, we revised our outputs with Sanctuary Asia’s team to reach a wider audience. Later in the year, Sanctuary Asia published an overview of our output. This strategic shift in approach has enhanced our ability to showcase the value of our work and the support that is necessary for its continuation.

Screengrab of the online workshop on understanding PARIVESH.

Conservation is a multi-faceted field, involving numerous layers and factors that are meticulously monitored and evaluated throughout a project. By using experience-based metrics and other methods, we gain a clear understanding of the real impact achieved. It can be extremely rewarding to hear about the impact, as it often exceeds our expectations and demonstrates the far-reaching effects of our efforts.

Each project in conservation presents its own set of challenges and opportunities for creativity and innovation. Whether it’s redesigning an interview to ensure a natural flow, crafting an exhibition proposal, developing a board game about human-wildlife conflict, or visualizing a sci-comm illustration for a research paper, every task brings a unique challenge. These diverse experiences make conservation work continuously engaging and profoundly rewarding.

On moving to Goa

‘You have never been to the sea?!’ Yes, 27th July 2022, was when I headed out for Goa, and the sea, for the very first time. As usual, I had to leave my home in Bongaigaon, Assam, a day or two before my scheduled departure. Because travelling 185 km to Guwahati Airport on the day of departure, has always felt risky to me. At 8:45 AM, I boarded the flight from Guwahati, and by 2:40 AM, I was in Goa! After booking the pre-paid taxi and walking out of Dabolim airport, was when I said to myself, ‘Okay, the journey begins.’

Something about Goa that I observed and loved was the greenery as seen on my route from the airport. Before my arrival to Goa, I was assigned a task on mangroves to work on, and on the way to the city, I saw mangroves for the first time ever - it was amazing!

I was staying with one of my colleagues; after reaching, she welcomed me with a hot bowl of Koka noodles in her warm house. Strange, though this was the first time I met two of my colleagues, the warmth felt familiar. Later that day, I started house-hunting in Panjim with another colleague.

On the following day, we had a team meeting with the Mongabay-India team. While the discussions were on, we were offered some snacks; that’s when I tried bhakarwadi for the first time. It was delicious!

After a team dinner, we headed towards the Vagator beach around 11 pm. I had this kind of giggly excitement for I had never been to the sea. As it was pretty late, most shops were closed. We crossed through lanes with shops that sell crystals; ‘How fascinating!’ I wondered.

About 30 metres from the ocean, we could hear the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore. The sea was still not visible, but there was a cold breeze. A few more steps and I glanced at the sea; it gave me chills. With loads of mixed feelings rushing in, I walked head down, and only when I reached the shoreline did I gaze at the small white waves rushing in, only to return to the dark infinity. Rest of the team waited for my reaction to seeing the sea for the first time. And I never imagined my first encounter with the sea to be scary. 

I never imagined getting to do the things I was doing at the moment. Another day we drove to a local quarry to train with Varaha (our cute ROV).  Watching the turquoise blue waters that day, I regretted not knowing how to swim.

A few days later, we made our way to Caranzalem beach, not the usual way but through a narrow trail that felt like it was a scene from a movie. This time the sea was magnificent with the orange and pink hues of the setting sun. However, I had this dizzy feeling of being pulled away into the ocean by the waves. For a person who would lose balance in the pool, now witnessing such a large body of water was quite a big step towards conquering the fear of water itself.

Trail leading to Caranzalem beach.

On the weekend we drove to a point on top of the hill, where one could see the whole extent of the Caranzalem and Miramar beaches. It was early on a cloudy morning, and few fishermen were out with their boats. Some dogs accompanied others on foot, with crows, black kites, and stunning Brahminy kites flying high, just about where we were sitting. I witnessed the Brahminy Kite for the first time; in bright white and rustic orange, shining from the sun rays from the parting of the clouds that fell on it; it was majestic. It was soon after that that two tiny birds with tints of yellow and blue came crashing, fighting with each other, halted, noticed there was a human next to them and so quickly flew away. The next thing I did was I took out my phone to Google it and found out they were Olive-backed sunbirds. I was absorbed in the rush of excitement when something moved in a  palm tree nearby; it was a Greater coucal! Next, my colleague pointed toward two grey, big-headed flying birds. For a while, we watched the movement of what were most probably the same birds in a nearby tree. However, the canopy was too dense to see through. With a few glances and some Google searches later, we guessed that they were Grey hornbills. It was a beautiful morning, well-spent bird-watching and learning about them.  

The whole extent of Caranzalem and Miramar beaches.

Talking about birds, we recently went to Dona Paula beach, where we saw a big bird far away, near where the fishermen were fishing. I was sure that it was not a kite. It flew away from the beach, and I was sure what I saw was an angelic figure that had white on its body. But I didn’t know which type of falcon it was. It looked so magical. I was curious and hopeful that it would fly back, but disappointed, it didn’t, and it stayed on my mind for days. 

Recently, we went to a forested area where the river Mandovi met the Arabian sea. As we were staring up at the canopy covers of the oak trees, a big falcon came flying gracefully to the top of the canopy, displaying its white, greys, and blacks. It was the same angelic figure that I saw the other day. It was a white-bellied sea eagle, and yet again, it was playing the game of hide and seek. To get a clearer view, we walked closer to the river's embankments, but it had decided to forever play its game of hide and seek. Standing near the embankment, we saw Brahminy kites making their rounds- near the water and the fishing boats. The crows kept cawing, trying to chase the Brahminy kites away, missing their shots. And the  kites kept doing their business calmly, not minding the caws. And just when we were watching this play, there came the White-bellied sea eagle! Gracefully taking a round and vanishing into the canopy. While I was partially satisfied to see it again, its game of hide and seek only made me more eager to search for it. Apart from that, we also saw a wiggling Common Sandpiper. The white streaks on its wing bars when it takes flight are a sight to behold. And lastly, just when we turned back from the end of our trail, something flew in front of us and sat on a wire. So tiny! It was a pair of White-rumped Munias. They were very cute! We observed them for some time, and while they did not seem to be leaving anytime soon, we decided to leave. 

The White-bellied sea eagle in the middle.

Goa, for me till now, has been amazing. From meeting my colleagues for the first time to meeting the sea for the first time. From meeting a lot of new birds to having a crush on the White-bellied sea eagle. Moving to Goa has been wonderful!