Participatory Mapping of Ecosystem Services in Multiuse Agricultural Landscapes (PMAP_ECOS)

This approach uses a participatory mapping method involving community members to rapidly identify and map ecosystem services and changes in their supply across multiuse agricultural landscapes. The mapping exercise involves using free, high resolution satellite imagery from Google Earth Pro, which presents an aerial view of the community in fine detail. Participants from the community in question identify key features on the map, which help them to understand the extent of the area the map represents. They are then led through a discussion on their resources such as water, livestock, cultivated land and uncultivated land. Through the discussion participants identify: (1) where resources are located on the landscape and how they are used; (2) changes in the supply of resources and how these changes are impacting livelihoods; and (3) restrictions to access, conflicts over use and management of each resource in question. Mapping with different groups, such as men, women and youth can show which resources are most important to different groups as well as differences in access and perceptions of change. The mapping exercise is intended to take between two and a half and three hours: including introductory and concluding discussions can add on another two hours.

The on-line guide explains the principles of the approach and includes appendices that contain: (1) a detailed explanation of how to create maps with Google Earth Pro for each activity; (2) sample discussion guides, mapping questions, instructions and map legends to accompany and guide the mapping exercise; (3) steps for digitizing the maps (4) case study examples and experiences from Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania; and (5) additional sources of information.