A three-dimensional map has been introduced for the first time in an indigenous community within a protected area, aiming to help residents better understand geographic features and protect natural resources.

The map covers 3,855 hectares in Pu Trom village, Romnea commune of Mondulkiri province’s Sen Monorom city, highlighting specific locations such as roads, rivers, biodiversity zones and conservation areas, giving the community a clearer view of their land and landscape.

The model plays an essential role in conservation planning, natural resource management and community development, empowering local stakeholders to protect their natural resources and resolve land disputes, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

The group noted that the map was piloted with technical assistance from WCS and USAID Morodok Baitong through the SERVIR Southeast Asia project. The initiative also involved the direct participation of the community, teachers and local authorities.

WCS community and REDD+ manager Chhay Kimheak noted that the community had previously struggled with printed maps. She said this prompted the creation of the 3D map, which is easier to understand since it was developed by the community with guidance from the organisation.

"By creating this 3D map … they can easily view and understand the geography of their village. Previously, there were only traditional maps, but this model makes it simpler to comprehend. The main purpose is for the community to see which areas are conservation zones and which are available for agricultural use," she said.

Kimheak added that the map is simple and low-cost, made from discarded paper cases that were cut and shaped into different elevations, then coloured to reflect the actual geography.

The map is displayed at the O’Pong Rong community protected area (CPA) office and not integrated into any mobile phone application. Community involvement in the process aimed to increase their engagement in conservation efforts and biodiversity protection and serves as a tool for monitoring changes in forest and biodiversity in the community.

"It also facilitates planning for them, as they can decide which areas they want to conserve or use for development, such as placing wells or schools, making land management planning easier," Kimheak highlighted.

The map is the first pilot project among the 20 villages involved in the Keo Seima REDD+ project.

Kimheak highlighted that the map's creation received active participation from the community and local authorities. Teachers showed interest in using it as a teaching tool for students, while local authorities helped ensure the map accurately reflected the real geography of the village.

"Indigenous women and youth participated alongside other stakeholders. By creating the map themselves, they take ownership of it – this is their village. This is a trial, and we have seen a lot of community involvement," she noted.

Kimheak is confident that the map will not be abandoned but will instead be updated as forests change over time. It will be used to benefit the community, as they can update it and adapt its features according to real-time conditions; it can also be used during community meetings to introduce others to various locations within the village.

O’Pong Rong CPA chief Preng Soksary expressed that the creation of the map has helped his community manage and protect natural resources, as well as inform them about crimes and disasters. He said it provides specific details of streams, elevations and locations, which are clearer than the maps they had previously used, according to USAID Morodok Baitong.

“Through this 3D map, I think my community and I can easily understand and feel a better sense of protection because we can see the actual resources in our community,” he said.

Kimheak also mentioned that the organisation plans to create similar 3D maps for six more villages within the target areas of the REDD+ project.

The Keo Seima REDD+ project started in 2010 and is being implemented on 166,983 hectares of forestland, within a total protected area of over 300,000 hectares in the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary.