Map of the landscape boundaries

Collaborative action in a landscape requires delineating and agreeing on the geographic area where the LP will focus. Landscape delineation takes into account spatial information like jurisdictional boundaries, locations of major socio-economic activities; and key physical features like topography, rivers, towns, cultural landmarks; and ecological processes like water flow and wildlife movements.

LPs sometimes begin with the stakeholders producing rough hand-drawn boundaries to focus the work of Shared Understanding. This includes a first sketch of the boundaries of the 3 zones, because this will enable local and external stakeholders to get a sense of understanding how to “read” a landscape. These boundaries are then refined over time, as the partners better understand the dynamics of change in the landscape, and the ecological, social and economic interactions between different areas, or as new partners join the effort. A foundational Map will eventually be a key tool for all the subsequent activities of the LP.