20: Our Altered World with Neel Zaver - Episode 2020: Our Altered World with Neel Zaver - Episode 20
UK Health Radio Podcast
Farina Osman discusses her work in Borneo, focusing on human-elephant coexistence and sustainable practices in the palm oil industry.
42:20•5 Nov 2025
Elephants and Humans: A Journey Towards Coexistence
Episode Overview
- Understanding elephant behaviour is crucial for reducing human-elephant conflicts.
- Collaboration with local communities enhances conservation efforts.
- Sustainable palm oil practices can benefit both industry and wildlife.
- Creating wildlife corridors helps maintain elephant habitats.
- Building trust among stakeholders is key to successful conservation.
“"We must celebrate small success. And we must understand that we have a big force. People want to see change."”
How do individuals from all walks of life battle addiction? In this episode, Neel Zaver sits down with Farina Osman, a passionate conservationist from Malaysia, to explore the challenges and triumphs of environmental conservation. Farina shares her journey from a budding scientist to a key player in elephant conservation, revealing the complexities of human and wildlife coexistence in Borneo.
Her organisation, Seratu Atai, is dedicated to fostering harmony between local communities and Bornean elephants, tackling issues like habitat loss and climate change. Farina's story is a testament to the power of determination and collaboration. She discusses the importance of understanding elephant behaviour to mitigate human-elephant conflicts and highlights the role of sustainable practices in the palm oil industry. By working with local communities and plantation owners, Farina aims to create wildlife corridors that benefit both elephants and humans.
This episode offers a unique perspective on conservation efforts, emphasising the need for open communication and trust-building among stakeholders. Farina's insights are not just about saving elephants but also about ensuring a sustainable future for all. So, how can we apply these lessons to our own lives? Perhaps it's time to consider how small changes in our daily habits can contribute to larger environmental goals.

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