The integrated spatial planning (ISP) tool, developed by Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI), assists policy makers, decentralized authorities, and local stakeholders in establishing conservation priorities and identifying economic development options. The ISP framework promotes an assets-based approach that focuses stakeholders’ attention on opportunities for realizing tangible benefits from adopting better land management practices. This approach includes measurable improvements in incomes and resource use rights, reduced vulnerability, and competitiveness factors to identify specific value chains with the greatest potential to meet market demand, create jobs, and raise household incomes.
The ISP methodology is comprised of three stages: participatory data collection, mapping of information, and review with community groups. Stage 1 involves collecting information through formal meetings with community members and geospatial data collection using GPS receivers. The data collection phase is carried out in collaboration with technical teams based in the regions who determine the area or locality to explore in collaboration with local stakeholders.
Stage 2 involves mapping the information, which is conducted in the office using basic software processing and mapping applications such as Mapsource and Microsoft Excel. This stage includes data processing, analysis and comparison of information using aerial photography and Google Earth, and mapping of the information using software such as Arcview, ArcGIS, and MapInfo. The maps created to date depict slope, relief, population, and soil occupation.
Stage 3 involves reviewing the maps with community members who participated in the initial mapping exercise. This stage allows participants to compare between the existing CNIGS map data and the one they produced during the first stage. This review stage marks the first step in developing a plan for the land depicted in the map. The DEED program encourages the exchange of information between communities with the goal of promoting the establishment of a Watershed Management Committee for each of the Montrouis and Limbé watersheds.
The locality of Ivoire belongs to the 8th section of the commune St-Marc and is part of the Montrouis watershed. The organization targeted by DEED is OPD8, which has objectives to grow vegetables and increase grazing pasturage. The community mapping team developed a map that depicts the slopes and relief of Ivoire locality. The map shows the geomorphological characteristics of the area, including the river of Montrouis and the coastal arcadins drainage system.
The locality of Fond Baptiste is above Ivoire and about 5 km from downtown Montrouis. It represents the same geomorphological characteristics as Ivoire and has similar land use patterns. The community mapping team developed a map that depicts the slopes and relief of Fond Baptiste locality. The map shows the geomorphological characteristics of the area, including the river of Montrouis and the coastal arcadins drainage system.
The locality of Roseau is another area that was mapped using the ISP methodology. The community mapping team developed a map that depicts the slopes and relief of Roseau locality. The map shows the geomorphological characteristics of the area, including the river of Montrouis and the coastal arcadins drainage system.
The locality of Bassin is also an area that was mapped using the ISP methodology. The community mapping team developed a map that depicts the slopes and relief of Bassin locality. The map shows the geomorphological characteristics of the area, including the river of Montrouis and the coastal arcadins drainage system.
The locality of Camp Coq is another area that was mapped using the ISP methodology. The community mapping team developed a map that depicts the slopes and relief of Camp Coq locality. The map shows the geomorphological characteristics of the area, including the river of Montrouis and the coastal arcadins drainage system.
The locality of Normand (of Bas Limbé) is also an area that was mapped using the ISP methodology. The community mapping team developed a map that depicts the slopes and relief of Normand locality. The map shows the geomorphological characteristics of the area, including the river of Montrouis and the coastal arcadins drainage system.
The ISP methodology has been successful in promoting community participation and ownership in the mapping process. The maps created using this methodology have been used to develop community land-use plans and identify threats and economic opportunities in microcatchments. The DEED program will continue to work with communities in each of the watersheds with the goal of convening the smaller sub-watershed community groups into a larger Watershed Management Committee.