An adapted companion modelling approach for enhancing multi-stakeholder cooperation in complex river basins

Abstract

The sustainable development agenda 2030 calls for achievement of certain targets to ensure access to water and sanitation for all. Multi-stakeholder partnerships and the use of data and modelling tools are conditioning elements for their achievement. In this article, we demonstrate that participatory modelling supports informed and participatory decision making in complex river basins. An adapted companion modelling approach is presented to support collective action by reducing disputes and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders. The co-development and use of empirical models for understanding the complexity of the physical system is combined with the use of role-playing games to ensure the active involvement of stakeholders. The approach is implemented in a top-down water quality planning process in Turkey. Results show its suitability for managing water quality in complex river basins in an inclusive manner and its substantial benefits in developing stakeholders' capacities and creating a cooperative environment.

Integrating ecological networks modelling in a participatory approach for assessing impacts of planning scenarios on landscape connectivity

“…But to answer particular questions on environmental systems, it is however possible to adapt them through their articulation with other existing models (e.g. Basco-Carrera et al, 2018). Similarly, landscape graphs could benefit from the involvement of non-scientific stakeholders through knowledge sharing and as a collective decision support (Foltête, 2019).…”

Embracing integrated watershed revitalization in Suzhou, China: learning from global case studies

“…Most studies in watershed management practice have focused on a partnership approach as an instrument for collaborative planning. In the literature on partnerships, a much-debated question is whether the operation of partnerships can coordinate various interests among stakeholders in the face of conflicts and uneven power distribution (Basco-Carrera et al 2018;Boschet and Rambonilaza 2018;Kim and Batey 2020;Meijerink and Huitema 2017;Nikitina et al 2010;Rouillard and Spray 2017). On the other hand, a considerable amount of literature has also addressed how a partnership can be operated more effectively and efficiently.…”

Integrated watershed revitalization: the experience of the Mersey Basin Campaign

“…The adoption of a collaborative approach in the operation of partnerships has raised issues about how common values can be forged and applied in a real-life context, especially in the face of an uneven distribution of power. Many studies in the field of the partnership arrangements in river basin management have addressed the operational difficulties in co-ordinating various stakeholders in a partnership organization (Cortner et al 1998;Heathcote 1998;Kim and Batey 2001;Nikitina et al 2010;Meijerink and Huitema 2017;Rouillard and Spray 2017;Basco-Carrera et al 2018;Boschet and Rambonilaza 2018). Many scholars have studied the implementation of a partnership approach at the river basin level.…”

“…An effective partnership requires a consensus to be built to understand priorities among complex watershed issues (EPA 2013). Previous studies have also emphasized that a partnership should: allow collective learning opportunities (Basco-Carrera et al 2018); strengthen the role of the actors from the private sector (Boschet and Rambonilaza 2018); fill the gap between levels of governance (Rouillard and Spray 2017); to list a few.…”