There was an intriguing piece over on Planet Green today that discussed the importance of not only addressing supply-side issues when it comes to the all kinds of illegal poaching, but also demand.

Targeting supply-side only ignores the fact that demand by consumers effectively creates incentive for people, especially in poor countries, to bypass rules.

Part of starting to address those demand issues is tracing illegal ivory trade routes so that the public and governments around the world can be educated about making responsible decisions regarding elephant conservation funding and policy. That’s where our project comes in!

We’re working in conjunction with the Center for Conservation Biology to do just that; complete the DNA map of African Elephants, trace illegal trade routes and produce television, print and online media to educate the public about the current elephant poaching epidemic and international ivory trade. We have to start educating people that we MUST decrease the demand for these elephants, and being more informed about the illegal ivory trade is a key step to doing so.

How can you help? Donate! An expedition inevitably has a lot of costs, and this one is no different. Check out what your donation goes to by clicking here.

Image: Telegraph

Here’s some extra incentive: if your donation is received by this Friday, September 17th, it will be fully matched! So scrounge up your pocket change (or more!) and put it to a good cause.