Abstract

Facing unprecedented challenges from climate change, over-extraction of natural resources, and ambitious development agendas, our civilization is at a critical juncture. The depletion of essential ecological services highlights the urgent need for effective natural resource management and inclusive decision-making in rural development. Despite the recognized importance of civic participation in empowering communities, the literature lacks an in-depth analysis of how digital engagement trans�lates into real empowerment, whereas possible impacts of digital participation seem to be attributed to technological tools. To address this gap this paper proposes a conceptual model introducing the main drivers of community empowerment through digital participation against contemporary challenges, for example, concerning natural resources or other complex societal issues that affect socio-ecological wellbeing. It argues for democratizing decision-making processes to ensure that not only every citizen has a voice but also has an impact on different stages of decision-making processes. Based on performing a selective literature review on participatory and digital approaches, the pro�posed model emphasizes three underlying drivers of empowerment for elucidating the transition from awareness to empowerment, particularly in the context of digital engagement as an integrated contin�uum consisting of awareness, engagement, and empowerment.

Download

Share

COinS