In the Nilgiris District's Gudalur Taluk, communities have long shared their landscapes with elephants and other wildlife, shaping a complex and evolving relationship. This project explores the history of these interactions, the challenges they present today, and the ways in which they are managed. By conducting research within selected panchayats, we take an ethnographic approach to understand the nature, frequency, and impact of human-elephant encounters while assessing current management practices by local communities.
At its core, this initiative seeks to strengthen community participation in decision-making, addressing gaps in community-led governance processes, resources, and infrastructure. By integrating local knowledge with sustainable development strategies, we aim to create practical solutions that promote coexistence. Through collaborative efforts, we strive to manage human-elephant interactions more effectively, ensuring both the well-being of communities and the long-term health of their ecosystems.