1:12,500 scale (1.5 x vertical exaggeration) model of area North of the Waka National Park, Ngunie Province, Ikobey commune, Gabon, (July-October, 2010).

Note: The model (62,500 ha or 625 km²) has been the first Participatory 3D model constructed in Central Africa.

 Depicted data reflect the mental maps of approximately 40 Babongo and Mitsogo Peoples from 14 villages. Adults populated the model with their memories and reconstructed the present landscape . The model displays 35 data layers including different types of areas, points and lines.

The blank model has been constructed by the students from the Primary School of Fougamou with technical assistance provided by CTA and the partner organisations listed below.

Image courtesy of Giacomo Rambaldi © / CTA

Recommended readings:

Giacomo Rambaldi, 2010. Our forest, our dignity. Forest-dependent indigenous peoples voice their rights for existence and call for recognition of their cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge (Blog) 22 October 2010.

_________ 2011. Redessiner sa forêt en 3D, New Agriculturalist

As part of a region-wide effort aimed at involving local communities in the sustainable management of natural resources in the Congo Basin and at adding value and authority to local and indigenous knowledge and values and at ensuring equitable benefit sharing resulting from co-managed protected areas, the Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN), Brainforest, CTA, IPACC, MINAPYGA, Rainforest Foundation UK, and the Wildlife Conservation Society-Gabon (WCS) supported a series of initiatives in the area including the participatory 3D modelling exercise described in this article. While responding to needs expressed by local communities and by the park administration, the exercise offered the opportunity for training delegates from national and regional organisations based in Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, South Africa and the United Kingdom.