Frameworks for modelling social-ecological systems (SESs) often do not consider interactions across different spatial and temporal scales, and tend to consider only a limited number of dimensions (e.g. environmental, political, social). Using participatory modelling approaches for including a wide array of actors in cross-scale modelling of SESs is central to their effectiveness and value. In many cases however, participation remains tagged on haphazardly during the modelling process, or merely paid false lip service to. Both these issues - cross-scale dynamics and participation in SES modelling - have large potential impacts on the results of models, users’ understanding, and their policy implications. This session aims to begin to address these issues by developing an improved understanding of how to go about including them in SESs modelling.
This session invites new, bold, and ambitious contributions on cross-scale modelling of SESs which focus on issues related to land (i.e. rural, urban, agriculture, forestry, other land uses). Session contributions may advance the theory of cross-scale SESs modelling, present examples of cross-scale SESs modelling in practice, or consider how to incorporate more participation.
Intended audience: This session is intended for researchers and practitioners interested in improving modelling of SESs. We welcome contributions from all career stages, especially more junior colleagues.
Key topics: Cross-scale modelling, Social-ecological systems (SESs), Stakeholder participation