DEMO (Participatory Modelling)

The DEMO-project explores the theory and practice of how numerical models may facilitate decision-making processes based on local participation. Prerequisites for producing and mediating model-based information, with focus on riverine nutrient transport, is acquired by integration of social and natural sciences. The project is carried out in the Motala Ström basin (15 500 km²), with emphasis on the drainage area of the Kaggebo bay (350 km²) in southeastern Sweden and is closely linked to the present institutional landscape and ongoing participatory processes in the basin.

The project is based on an interactive process, called participatory modelling, which aims to achieve a common acceptance of problem definition and effects of various measures, between groups of stakeholders and experts. Different stakeholders knowledge, requests and needs, are considered through an interactive dialogue between modellers, stakeholders, and policy makers. Stakeholders are also active in generation of data (i.e. through participatory monitoring), and in validation of model results against local knowledge. Initially, previous experiences of using model as a communication tool in water management in Sweden and internationally are synthesised. Through this synthesis, and repeated meetings and interviews, a process, which aims to facilitate model-assisted dialogues about environmental problems is designed. The project includes the improvement of techniques for communication of model results to non-experts. The project does also consider interactions between the regional, local and super-local levels both from a natural and social scientific perspective. Moreover, available models are adapted and new numerical models of nutrient flow to relevant special and temporal scales are developed.

Duration: 2005-2007

Funded by: FORMAS, EU-Leader, Swedish EPA, Valdemarsviks Sparbank

Responsible at SMHI: Lotta Andersson, Berit Arheimer 

External partners: LUCSUS Lund Universtty, ITUF Linköping University, Lantbrukarnas länsförbund i Östergötland

References

Alkan Olsson, J., Andersson, L. Possibilities and problems with the use of hydrological models as a communication tool in water management. Submitted January 2005, Special Issue WARM / Advances in Global Change Research, Water Resources Management.