When: 21st – 26th of September, 2014
Where: Wageningen, The Netherlands
Companion Modelling, or ComMod, is a participatory modelling approach that uses role-playing games and simulation models to tackle complex issues in the fields of renewable resources and environment management. ComMod promotes dialogue, shared learning and collective decision-making, strengthening the adaptive management capacity of communities facing wicked environmental problems. A ComMod approach is iterative and evolves with the participative process whereby stakeholders are involved in the definition and design of the questions, models, simulations and outputs. It involves constant back and forth steps between the model, the field and the negotiation table.
The course will focus on:
– Concepts e.g., wicked problems, socio-ecological systems, complex systems, participatory modelling, simulation strategies.
– Methods and related tools e.g.,: system representation, participatory mapping, model conceptualization, agent-based modelling, role-playing games, participatory simulation and scenario assessment, brainstorming, debriefing and evaluation, facilitation and conflict management.