2013
SESDE 2013 Proceeding
Developing a sustainability assessment tool for socio-environmental systems: a case study of systems simulation and participatory modelling
Authors: Luisa Perez-Mujica, Terry Bossomaier, Roderick Duncan, Andrea Rawluk, Max Finlayson, Jonathon Howard
Abstract
Assessing the sustainability of socio-environmental outcomes, created through wetland restoration, requires a systemic approach. The aim of this paper is to develop a participatory modelling procedure for understanding sustainability in complex socio-environmental systems by combining participatory modelling and systems simulation. This study uses the wetland restoration program at Winton Wetlands (Benalla, Victoria, Australia) as a case study. The systems simulation component, which includes system dynamics and agent- based modelling techniques, is used to identify i) the main elements and relationships of the system, ii) plausible scenarios for sustainable development, and iii) sustainability indicators for the Winton Wetland socio- environmental system (WWSeS). In addition, the process includes the participation of stakeholders for model validation and better understanding of the system. A nature-based tourism simulation model is developed as an example for the systems simulation method. This novel approach is thought to provide new insights into and guidance for assessing sustainability of complex socio-environmental systems around the world.
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