Empowering Local Communities through Digital Governance: A Capacity Building Approach for Inclusive Participation and Sustainable Development

The complex interplay between wildlife conservation and community support in areas prone to human-wildlife conflicts, particularly livestock depredation, poses challenges to effective conservation efforts. This study explores the potential of digital governance tools to address these challenges, focusing on the acceptance and feasibility of such technologies in tiger reserve areas. The research objectives include assessing community willingness to adopt digital platforms for reporting wildlife incidents, exploring perceived benefits and concerns, and proposing strategies to overcome barriers for effective integration. Digital governance tools offer innovative solutions by enabling real-time data collection, conflict monitoring, and community engagement. However, challenges arise due to socio-economic factors, limited technology access, and low digital literacy in local populations. Capacity-building programs are identified as crucial for empowering communities, reducing reliance on forest officials, and fostering sustainable cohabitation.