The role of A-MANO as a tool for catalyzing communication and decision-making in an integrated water resource management project

Community-based natural resource management initiatives depend on high-resolution spatially accurate socioeconomic and biophysical data. The Global Water Initiative, a large scale integrated water resource management project, tested the effectiveness of a participatory orthophoto mapping technique (A-MANO) for visualization, analysis, and communication of multidimensional data. A-MANO utilizes high-resolution satellite imagery as baseline layers in participatory mapping exercises. During these exercises participants mapped features and provided reference information. Study sites included 12 communities in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Results suggest that A-MANO is an effective participatory methodology for community planning, stakeholder engagement, information exchange, and monitoring and evaluation. Challenges related to implementation of A-MANO as well as areas for improvement are also discussed.