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

Abstract

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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Groundwater and Surface Water Interaction at the Regional-scale – A Review with Focus on Regional Integrated Models

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Global change impacts on the Upper Danube Catchment (Central Europe): a study of participatory modeling

“…Once the processes have been adequately described, scientists are usually satisfied with the models and do not develop them further to solve practical problems ). This situation is often explained by a lack of understanding between modelers and stakeholders, in particular on the part of the scientists, (e.g., Borowski and Hare 2007;Brugnach et al 2007;de Kok and Wind 2003;Olsson and Andersson 2006). We argue that it is not necessarily the lack of understanding.…”