Foreword

Andersson, Lotta; Bonell, M.; Moody, D.W.

doi:10.1080/0790062042000248646

Cited by 11 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Model based information is used more and more frequently as a decision support in different types of management situations (Shackley, 1997;Rosa, 1999;Sarewitz et al, 2000;Lindley, 2001), including the water resource management area (e.g., Andersson and Moody, 2004;Arheimer et al, 2004). One reason is the increasing demand to visualise the responsibility of the individual polluter (polluter's pays principle).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Possibilities and problems with the use of models as a communication tool in water resource management

Olsson

Andersson

2006

Water Resour Manage

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Politicians and policy-makers, as well as modellers, often nurses an expectation that model derived results is an objective source of information that can be used to support decisions. However, several prerequisites have to be dealt with in order to ensure that models can be used as legitimate and efficient tools in water resource management. Based on empirical material from recent studies on the use of models in stakeholder dialogues, mainly focusing on catchment nutrient transport, two central problems are identified: (a) Models are laden with choices and thus depend on assumptions and priorities of modellers. (b) There are several factors that influence ability and willingness of stakeholders (as information recovers) to criticize or accept results of the modelling exercise. Recognized factors likely to influence stakeholders' acceptance of model derived results include issues at stake, stakeholders' ability to criticize model derived information, and their trust in the institutions that have developed or applied the used models. Identified prerequisites for successful use of models in integrated water resource management include: consideration of user relevance, awareness of and preparedness to handle constraints linked to communication of modelbased results, transparency of used models and data and of involved uncertainties, mutual respect between experts and stakeholders and between involved stakeholder groups, a robust institutional network, and sufficient time for dialogues. Development and use of strategies for participatory modelling, based on a continuous dialogue between experts and stakeholders is recommended as a way to facilitate that the prerequisites for a successful use of models in water resource management are fulfilled.

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