A multi-model approach to stakeholder engagement in complex environmental problems

摘要: We describe the different types of models we used as part an effort to inform policy-making aiming at management Ningaloo coast in Gascoyne region, Western Australia. This provides overview how these interact, roles they cover, fit into a full decision making process and what learnt about stakeholders involved our project via their use. When modelling is explicitly address socio-ecological issues, key determinant success whether models, results recommendations are taken up by stakeholders; such uptake turn depends on addressing stakeholders' concerns, engaging them project, ensuring feel ownership large, that understand trust effort. observation has guided approach resulted treating 'building model' catalyst, rather than final aim, process. In other words, extensive interactions order introduce, showcase, discuss tune model for have represented both requirement opportunity ensure (i) relevance, (ii) its acceptance, (iii) all information available stakeholder team was accounted (iv) holding levels understanding modelling, it does can provide decision-making could develop informed opinion To fulfil developed five broad classes models: conceptual toy-models, single- system shuttle-models full-system model. main drivers highlighted subsequent representation components usually diagram summarising works. toy-models problem simplified way only handful included. The purpose mostly educational: want each component affects achieve this, temporarily renounce satisfactory overall problem. single-system include fairly detailed single (in case recreational fishing tourism); be introduce temporary from study activity, which will feed development model, or sector-specific issues. shuttle-models, minimum number processes believe crucial basic know still too simple description, but sufficient enable us contemplate, build use more complex needed description. term 'shuttle' refers taking description problem, journey necessary developers definition parameterisation interpretation results. Finally, includes collected through addresses scenarios concern, whose been greatly eased 'simpler' models. As example, may identify tourism region; toy- catches affect fish stocks; effect gear, regulations affecting fishing; shuttle-model interaction between fishing, tourism, infrastructure health local ecosystem; this gradually 'take' comprehend 'full' pressure, market values, climate effect, larger food-webs, etc.