Participatory 3 Dimension Modelling & GIS An Approach for Conducting Community Vulnerability & Assessment and Adaption Planning .

Abstract:

Considering successful experiences gained in Fiji Islands and the Solomon Islands in practicing Participatory 3 Dimension Modeling (P3DM) integrated with GPS and GIS applications in the contexts of collaborative natural resource management and customary resource tenure, the current exercise in Epi envisages introducing the practice in the area of integrating Scientific Knowledge and Local Knowledge as the foundation where by Community vulnerability & assessment and adaptation intervention planning is executed.

This P3DM exercise will serve as a pilot intervention and concurrently as a training ground for practitioners in Vanuatu. Incorporating geo-accurate community-based mapping techniques in the planning process offers the opportunity to increase accuracy and relevance of local knowledge and stimulate increased sharing of knowledge among insiders and outsiders. Furthermore, the ownership of the management regimes resulting from the participatory planning process will rest with the local communities on Epi Island and PACC Vanuatu who will be responsible for their implementation. The more complete, accurate, visible and relevant (to the users) the collated information on resource distribution and use -, the more effective the decision-making process will be.