The document summarizes a participatory three-dimensional modeling (P3DM) exercise organized in Telecho, Ethiopia to address issues of deforestation, soil erosion, and land degradation. Over the course of 10 days, 130 villagers, 14 students, and 20 trainees used materials like cardboard and paint to construct a 3D model of the local landscape. The model creation process facilitated knowledge sharing and discussions between generations of villagers about resource management and land use, past and future. The completed model was presented to government and community leaders and has since been used by the community for spatial planning and decision making.

1. PARTICIPATORY THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELLING

2. Photo report of a P3DM exercise and training organised by CTA & MELCA Ethiopia, December 2010 It Takes a Village

3. “ Promotion of Collaborative Spatial Information Management and Communication in East and Southern Africa”

4. Telecho, Oromyia Ethiopia - 2010

6. Here, in Oromyia, Ethiopia, livelihoods are mainly dependent on agriculture

7. Deforestation is increasingly becoming a problem

8. And signs of severe soil erosion and land degradation are evident

9. In this context CTA and MELCA organised this PGIS/P3DM/PV exercise, to support local communities and train development practitioners from six African countries PGIS: Participatory GIS P3DM: Participatory 3D Modelling PV: Participatory Video

10. A P3DM process should happen only where the groundwork has been done at community level IMPORTANT

11. From a base map the contour lines are scaled up to 1:10.000 m IN PRACTICE

12. The contour lines are then traced…

13. … on card sheets of 3mm, which have been cut to size

14. The card sheets are cropped…

15. … glued and nailed together

16. Then layer after layer of card are used…

17. … to create the slope of the 3D model

18. Slowly it becomes possible to identify specific features from a birds-eye view

19. Meanwhile, the elders were invited to discuss the map legend eliciting local knowledge

20. Clear and detailed legend preparation is crucial for the success of the P3DM process

21. When the construction phase is completed…

22. … the achievement of the group is celebrated

23. The trainees, the local students and facilitators, everyone participates in the celebrations!

24. The model is then covered with soft white paper

25. To smooth the slope and prepare the model for painting

26. After three days of work the “blank” model is ready

27. The next day the first group of villagers arrives and has its first contact with the 3D model

28. From the water courses villagers start to identify features on the model

29. Location of areas, points and lines are discussed and agreed upon

30. Each group, coming from a different locations, provides guidance to the next group

31. Each group, from the 28 participating villages, needs to fully understand the legend

32. P3DM allows time and space for interaction

33. It is a process of continuous knowledge sharing

34. It creates a platform for knowledge sharing, among and across generations

35. Interaction and knowledge exchange promote social learning

36. The P3DM process results in a celebration of community-based action ...

37. ... where the value of local knowledge is recognised

38. The model becomes the repository of geo-referenced information documenting local knowledge

39. The data on the model are extracted using digital photography for import into a GIS

40. P3DM was coupled with other tools for promoting participatory learning and action

41. Such as the ‘Democracy Wall’ which elicits reflection and sharing of ideas

42. The process included ‘Participatory Video’ for building capacity in communication © Giacomo Rambaldi

43. And to add power to local voices and broaden knowledge exchange

44. On the top of several months of preparation, it took 10 days to manufacture the model and inputs from 130 villagers, 14 students and 20 trainees

45. The manufacture of the model started from a planimetric map…

46. We used 3 mm carton boards, glue, nails, paint

47. Pins, wool thread, and other materials

48. And this created a platform for people to meet, interact…

49. Learn, discuss, decide and take action

50. The community built a 3D model of their bio-physical and cultural landscapes,

51. Reflected on past, present and future,

52. ... and on new perspectives for future resource management

53. While practicing P3DM what counts the most is the process rather than the output

54. P3DM promotes social learning and stimulates community-based initiatives

56. Inauguration Day

57. National, regional and local, government and non-government actors attended the event

58. Together with local communities

59. The P3DM model was unveiled ...

60. Presented by local villagers ...

61. Michael Hailu, Director of CTA Million Belay, Director of MELCA © Giacomo Rambaldi Acknowledged ...

62. Admired ...

63. And finally entrusted to the local community

64. © Giacomo Rambaldi

65. For further information on P3DM: Participatory 3-Dimensional Modelling: Guiding Principles and Applications

66. For further information on projects: pgis.cta.int & MELCA-ethiopia.org

67. Photographs and editing by Patricia Santos 2011 Music by Orchestra Ethiopia Tigrigna