Coexistence Story has supported the IUCN Species Survival Commission Human-Wildlife Conflict & Coexistence Specialist Group (HWCCSG) since 2020. The HWCCSG is an interdisciplinary advisory group that aims to support conservationists, governments, communities and all those working on human-wildlife conflict with accessible, practical advice and guidance.
 
In March 2023, the HWCCSG published the IUCN Guidelines on Human-Wildlife Conflict & Coexistence, providing global, authoritative and impartial guidance to understanding and resolving human-wildlife conflict. The Guidelines highlight essential foundations and principles for good practice, with clear guidance on tackling conflicts and enabling coexistence with wildlife.
 
Since publication, the Guidelines have been downloaded over 5,000 times and are being translated into six languages. Elephant Family provided crucial support to hire an Editorial Officer during the writing phase and further support for editing and peer review in the final stages of publication.

Coexistence Story have also been a longtime supporter of the HWCCSG’s Programme Officer. The Programme Officer is key to the efficient and high productivity of the group as their role involves supporting the Chair and Members - who volunteer their time. They help with the day-to-day activities of the HWCCSG, coordinating a range of its projects and the inputs of Members for the delivery of activities across the main areas of work. For example, the support provided has ensured the largest, most comprehensive and continually-updated free, open-source library of recommended literature, manuals, and materials on human-wildlife conflict and coexistence is maintained.