Scientists with the Center for International Forestry Research have devised a new tool that could make it easier for village communities to plan future changes in how their landscape is used. By placing a 3D map complete with familiar landmarks in the middle of a table and asking residents what they’d do as the developer, conservationist or village leader, it suddenly becomes much easier to incorporate local views. A role-playing tool, called ‘PLUP Fiction’ (PLUP stand for participatory land use planning) helps them see the long-term advantages of careful management and how they themselves will actually benefit, said Jean-Christophe Castella, one of the researchers. Read More
