ABSTRACT
Integrating modern geospatial technologies with community-led frameworks offers a compelling pathway for enhancing natural resource management, particularly in ecologically sensitive and institutionally decentralised regions. In the context of Meghalaya, India, the convergence of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) has enabled a participatory, scalable model of conservation governance. By equipping Village Community Facilitators (VCFs) and Village Data Volunteers (VDVs) with technical skills, communities actively engaged in boundary mapping, land use and land cover classification, and Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) of forest resources. This integration has improved the precision of ecological assessments, facilitated conflict resolution over land tenure, and enhanced the effectiveness of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes. The PES Forest Watcher Dashboard further supported data transparency and real-time monitoring of conservation outcomes. While challenges related to technical capacity, data infrastructure, and institutional coordination persist, the approach underscores the potential for inclusive, technology-enabled environmental governance that is both locally grounded and policy-relevant.
