Jan
10
2016

Communities Develop 3D Map to Help Manage Natural Resources

In December 2015 community leaders developed an innovative Participatory 3-Dimensional Model (P3DM) of Nyaungshwe Township and surrounds. The training gave community members an orientation on map reading, the objective of P3DM, and how to build the model.

The P3DM model was built with the involvement of local communities in 6 villages: Kyaung Taung, Kyaung Nar, Pantin, Thayetpin, Zeyar, and Antpet. The model covered details such as roads, trails, houses, schools, monasteries, health posts, ponds, springs, and land use. At each stage of development, the model was verified with village leaders and participants. After completing the model, its usability was discussed with the participants. The participants and were enthusiastic about the use of P3DM for understanding the area, planning for development, and communicating with planners and policy makers, as well as visitors.

The programme was organized as part of the Himalica pilot by ICIMOD together with the Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development (MIID), with technical guidance from the Geospatial team at ICIMOD. Government line agencies, community leaders, MIID staff, and ICIMOD professionals took part in the discussion on the usability of P3DM for the management of water, land, and other resources for livelihood security and climate change adaptation.