Try, try again: Lessons learned from success and failure in participatory modeling

Eleanor Sterling, Moira Zellner, Karen Jenni, Kirsten Leong, Pierre Glynn, Todd Bendor, Pierre Bommel (), Klaus Hubacek, Antonie Jetter, Rebecca Jordan, Laura Schmitt Olabisi, Michael Paolisso and Steven Gray
Additional contact information
Eleanor Sterling: AMNH - American Museum of Natural History
Moira Zellner: University of Illinois System
Karen Jenni: US Geological Survey
Kirsten Leong: Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
Pierre Glynn: US Geological Survey
Todd Bendor: NC State - North Carolina State University [Raleigh] - UNC - University of North Carolina System
Pierre Bommel: UPR GREEN - Gestion des ressources renouvelables et environnement - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement
Klaus Hubacek: Loyola University [Maryland, Baltimore]
Antonie Jetter: Portland State University
Rebecca Jordan: Rutgers University
Laura Schmitt Olabisi: Michigan State University [East Lansing] - Michigan State University System
Michael Paolisso: Loyola University [Maryland, Baltimore]
Steven Gray: Michigan State University [East Lansing] - Michigan State University System

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Abstract: Participatory Modeling (PM) is becoming increasingly common in environmental planning and conservation, due in part to advances in cyberinfrastructure as well as to greater recognition of the importance of engaging a diverse array of stakeholders in decision making. We provide lessons learned, based on over 200 years of the authors' cumulative and diverse experience, about PM processes. These include successful and, perhaps more importantly, not-so-successful trials. Our collective interdisciplinary background has supported the development, testing, and evaluation of a rich range of collaborative modeling approaches. We share here what we have learned as a community of participatory modelers, within three categories of reflection: a) lessons learned about participatory modelers; b) lessons learned about the context of collaboration; and c) lessons learned about the PM process. First, successful PM teams encompass a variety of skills beyond modeling expertise. Skills include: effective relationship-building, openness to learn from local experts, awareness of personal motivations and biases, and ability to translate discussions into models and to assess success. Second, the context for collaboration necessitates a culturally appropriate process for knowledge generation and use, for involvement of community co-leads, and for understanding group power dynamics that might influence how people from different backgrounds interact. Finally, knowing when to use PM and when not to, managing expectations, and effectively and equitably addressing conflicts is essential. Managing the participation process in PM is as important as managing the model building process. We recommend that PM teams consider what skills are present within a team, while ensuring inclusive creative space for collaborative exploration and learning supported by simple yet relevant models. With a realistic view of what it entails, PM can be a powerful approach that builds collective knowledge and social capital, thus helping communities to take charge of their future and address complex social and environmental problems.

Keywords: protection de l'environnement; gestion des ressources naturelles; politique de l'environnement; gouvernance; approche participative; planification; Participatory modeling; Collaborative modeling; Stakeholder engagement; Planning; Environmental management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05173749v1
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Published in Elementa, 2019, 7, pp.9. ⟨10.1525/elementa.347⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05173749

DOI: 10.1525/elementa.347

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