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VFAES will adhere to core principles grounded in Systems Biology and ahimsa (non-violence) and implement these actions to achieve its mission:

• Through awareness and education programs, we will cultivate empathy for elephants, and reverence for our sacred earth, creating shifts in public perception regarding the intrinsic values of elephants and the natural world
• Using non-conventional means such as films and experiential learning, empower the youth with knowledge and information on elephant science, existing animal welfare laws and ethical dilemmas of captivity and exploitation of the natural resources
• Conduct research on the intersection of human cultures and conservation, and simultaneously build awareness of the role of elephants--known as "the gardeners of the earth"--in mitigating global air pollution
• Advocate legislative changes to tackle wildlife crime by organizing sensitization workshops for law enforcement authorities, religious institutions, as well as decision and policy makers
• Create elephant havens where rescued elephants can enjoy freedom, respect, and dignity for the rest of their lives
• Mitigate human elephant conflicts near the forest fringes by using alert systems, GPS collars, beehives, and other means to prevent elephants from entering into human dwellings