Project Orange Elephant, Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka’s Wasgamuwa region, a simple yet brilliant solution has been found to the long-standing conflict between local farmers and wild elephants. Launched and run by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society, Project Orange Elephant aims to protect both farmers’ crops and the region’s endangered giants.

This issue is well known in areas where people and wildlife live side by side. In the Wasgamuwa region, elephants used to enter farmers’ fields, destroying crops in their search for food. However, in 2006, local biologists discovered that elephants consistently avoided citrus fruits, inspiring the idea of surrounding fields with orange trees.

Today, the orange trees serve as a natural barrier, successfully safeguarding crops and giving elephants their space. Each tree can yield up to 600 oranges per season, providing an extra source of income for the local community.

The project doesn’t rely on complex solutions—just local commitment and determination—making it highly scalable. As a result, over 450 farmers from 12 villages now take part, planting thousands of orange trees.

The project has earned international acclaim, including the award for “Most Innovative Development Project” from the Global Development Network in 2015.

As a guest in the area, you have the chance to meet passionate local farmers, hear their stories, and witness first-hand how a simple idea can transform daily life for both farmers and elephants. Your visit not only supports the project financially, but also offers you a deeper appreciation of sustainability and the delicate balance of coexistence between humans and wildlife.