Recognizing political influences in participatory social-ecological systems modeling

Stakeholder participation in social-ecological systems (SES) modeling is increasingly considered a desirable way to elicit diverse sources of knowledge about SES behavior and promote inclusive decision-making SES. Understanding how participatory processes function the context long-term adaptive management may allow for better design achieve intended outcomes inclusionary knowledge, representativeness, social learning, while avoiding unintended outcomes. Long-term contexts often include political influences -- attempts shift or preserve power structures authority, efforts represent economic interests stakeholders computer models that are used shape policy making implementation. In this research, we examine period included major transition watershed model Chesapeake Bay United States. The has been development since 1980s, by many be an exemplary case modeling. We use documentary analysis interviews with participants involved application reveal variety ways which subject different kinds influences, some resulted outcomes, including: perceptions difficulty updating substantive ways, “gaming” model/participatory process stakeholders, increasing resistance against considering uncertainty system not captured model. This research suggests negative associated both stakeholder learning even though they so touted as benefits end hypothesis further theory governance bridge impact broader theories environmental at science-policy interface result improved