International, national and local legal frameworks have impacts on elephant conservation and the livelihoods of locals that share their existence with wildlife. Legal frameworks of all levels commodify the African elephant. This gives rise to an ethical dilemma, as what is best for conservation of the species may have detrimental effects on livelihoods, in particular where locals are unable to effectively address human-wildlife conflicts with the tools at their disposal, or where they lack motivation to participate in conservation efforts because the relevant commodity – the elephant – does not economically benefit them. Drawing from two case studies from National Parks in northeastern Namibia, the thesis examines the impact of international actors and CITES decisions on elephant conservation and local livelihoods, suggesting that sustainable profitability for local livelihoods is paramount to ensure elephant conservation is successful.