Use of participatory scenario modeling as platforms in stakeholder dialogues

• Water related problems are characterized by complexities, uncertainties, and conflicting interests and there is no single “optimal” way to approach these “wicked” problems. Model-assisted participatory processes have been suggested as one way to meet these challenges. However, the use of models as ascenario tools for local planning of mitigation and adaptation strategies addressing environmental challenges is more often an exception than a common practice. In order to assess future possibilities for successful useof participatory scenario modelling, experiences from two model-facilitated projects are presented and discussed. The participatory scenario modelling described in this paper, implies modelling with people, as opposed to agent based modelling which is based on modelling of people’s behaviour and its consequences. In the first project, a participatory model-assisted process was conducted to formulate a locally proposed remedy plan to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loads in local lakes and the coastal zone. In the second project, a similar process was used to formulate local adaptation strategies to climate change impacts on water allocation, farming and the environment. Based on the experiences of these projects; recommendations are made to how model-assisted participatory processes can best be organised and conducted. A key message is that modellers need to rethink their role as “solution providers” to become “process facilitators”.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Earth and Related Environmental Sciences (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Social och ekonomisk geografi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Social and Economic Geography (hsv//eng)

Keyword

participatory water management; participatory modelling; stakeholder involvement; catchment modelling

SOCIAL SCIENCES

Publication and Content Type

kap (subject category)

vet (subject category)