Agent Based Simulation in Integrated Assessment and Resources Management

Resource management problems have become more and more complex. The traditional approach to solving isolated environmental problems with technological fixes and end-of-pipe solutions has started to shift towards a more thoughtful and integrated attitude. Hence it becomes more and more important to develop appropriate means for representing the human dimension in integrated models and in the development of resource management regimes. This involves the development of integrated approaches to problem solving and thus to include as well stakeholder perspectives. Stakeholder should be included in the process of developing and adopting any resource management plan. In order to improve stakeholder-based policy design and modelling processes innovation and research is required in linking analytical methods and participatory approaches. Factual knowledge and analytical techniques have to be combined with local knowledge and subjective perceptions of the various stakeholder groups. Agent based modelling seems to be a particularly promising approach to include the human dimension into integrated assessment models and processes and thus into innovative approaches towards developing more sustainable and enduring resource management regimes.