The Centre for Sustainable Coexistence Research & Education Network (SCREEN) at the 成人头条 continues to strengthen interdisciplinary dialogue on environmental challenges through its SCREEN Talks series. Two recent sessions held in January and February 2026 brought together experts, researchers, and students to explore innovative perspectives on wildlife conservation and human elephant coexistence.
SCREEN Talks 2.0, held on 24 January 2026 via Zoom, focused on understanding crop-raiding elephant behavior in human-dominated landscapes. The session featured Mr. Chandima Fernando, an ecologist, GIS specialist, and PhD candidate, who shared insights from his ongoing research on the behavioral patterns of elephants involved in crop raiding. Mr. Fernando鈥檚 presentation explored the causes and patterns of human鈥揺lephant conflict (HEC), highlighting how land-use changes, agricultural practices, and ecological pressures influence elephant movement and interactions with human settlements. The session emphasized the importance of understanding elephant behavior from a scientific perspective to design effective mitigation strategies. Various preventative measures, including landscape interventions and fencing approaches, were discussed as potential solutions for reducing conflict between humans and elephants. The discussion created a valuable platform for knowledge exchange among researchers, SCREEN members, and participants interested in HEC, offering practical insights that will contribute to ongoing research and future collaborations within the SCREEN network.
Continuing the series, SCREEN Talks III was held on 24 February 2026 at the Town & Country Planning Auditorium. Organized by the SCREEN Research Team in collaboration with the Mora Lenz Mass Media Club, the session focused on the role of wildlife photography in conservation. The event featured Dr. Lalith Ekanayake, an internationally multi-award-winning wildlife photographer, who delivered an engaging session titled 鈥淐apturing the Wild - Wildlife Photography for Conservation.鈥 The workshop attracted students and wildlife enthusiasts interested in both photography and environmental conservation. Dr. Ekanayake introduced participants to key aspects of wildlife photography, including macro photography techniques, wildlife portraiture, behavioral photography, and essential camera technology and gear. Beyond technical guidance, he emphasized how wildlife photography can serve as a powerful tool for conservation, helping to document biodiversity, communicate environmental challenges, and raise public awareness about the protection of natural ecosystems. Through real-world experiences and visual storytelling, the session inspired participants to view photography not only as an artistic practice but also as a meaningful contribution to conservation efforts.
Together, these sessions highlight SCREEN鈥檚 commitment to promoting interdisciplinary learning, research collaboration, and public awareness on sustainable coexistence between humans and nature. The Centre welcomes students, researchers, and enthusiasts to join future SCREEN Talks and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on conservation and human鈥搉ature coexistence