GIS Mapping
Cutting edge spatial technology guides Peace Parks Foundation’s approach to planning

The extensive Geographic Information System (GIS) capability developed by the foundation enables the interrogation of spatial information, data and maps in a highly interactive way.
Detailed maps and an extensive database of southern Africa’s protected areas, overlayed with socio-economic and environmental variables from global data sets, are used to guide the development of zoning and management plans. Data sets can be adapted and interrogated interactively to provide instant scenarios and answers. These datasets and information often guide the stakeholder debates between the various role players and allow for a participatory approach and of drawing on the participants' expertise.



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In order to track progress and the state of health of the various TFCAs, the foundation’s GIS has developed a tool to assist with the monitoring and evaluation of generic indicators which allow for the mapping of progress (or lack thereof) of the various TFCAs. These monitoring, evaluation and reporting tools are used by TFCA and protected area decision makers and by various governmental authorities. They are also used by the foundation in progress reports to donors.

The foundation has offered basic GIS and GPS training at the Southern Africa Wildlife College (SAWC) for the past 13 years. The value of GIS as a conservation tool is thereby shared with fellow conservationists and environmental organisations in the region. During the past three years a more advanced GIS course has been offered to cater for those who have started making use of GIS in their work places and are moving up the ranks and seeking more advanced ways of analysing spatial information. Annually, four courses - two basic and two more advanced - are run at the Southern African Wildlife College. Each course touches on the technologies of GPS and remote sensing, as well as monitoring and evaluation tools. To date, more than 850 students from the region have been trained.