Applying a descriptive participatory simulation to specific case studies: Adapting the LittoSIM coastal flooding management simulation

Participatory simulation is increasingly being used to raise awareness and support collective action on complex environmental problems. During the design of simulation models, choosing between an abstract (or idealized) model that can be used with a wide range of stakeholders, and a more descriptive (or realistic) model that better fits the expectations of certain stakeholders, is often a dilemma. The LittoSIM-GEN project opts for a descriptive simulation approach, but with the possibility to adapt the content to different geographical conditions, and thus increase its reusability. The LittoSIM participatory simulation aims to reinforce social learning among elected municipal officials and risk managers in relation to prevention measures for coastal flooding management. Participatory simulation workshops were organized with local stakeholders, during which they experienced different prevention strategies and assessed their impact against the results of a flooding simulation calculated by a hydrodynamic model. The software architecture used enables the simulation content (land use map, set of available prevention measures, hydrodynamic conditions, etc.) to be adapted to different geographical configurations (e.g. sandy or cliff coastline, highly urbanized or more rural areas). In addition, the way the project was deployed in the field (e.g. the design of the participatory simulation workshop, the stakeholders and institutions invited) was also adapted from one case study to another. This paper reports on the use of LittoSIM in different case studies carried out in three varying geographic contexts along the French coast: the island of Oléron (Atlantic coast), Camargue (Mediterranean coast) and Dieppe-Criel (Channel coast). The results look at the adaptations to the software, simulation content, and to the field deployment method that were needed in order to meet stakeholders' expectations, fit with how risk was managed locally, and encourage stakeholders' engagement in the participatory process.