Participatory modelling for understanding consequences of management choices on ecosystem services and biodiversity in protected areas
Uta Schirpke, EURAC Research, Bozen (IT)
Complex ecological and socio-economic processes as well as management decisions influence ecosystem services (ES) and biodiversity, through complex chains of cause and effect. To facilitate a better and shared understanding of the complexities in protected areas, we propose a participatory modelling approach based on system thinking and system dynamics. We developed generic and open models for provisioning and cultural ES, using the interactive platform Insight Maker, to support to managers in involving stakeholders and developing together dynamic models of "their” social-ecological system.