Collaborative modelling promotes the fruitful engagement and participation of decision makers and stakeholders in the analysis and assessment of policy options. Computer-based modelling, communication and visualization tools are used to support these analyses, with stakeholders involved during one or more stages of the design, construction and use of these tools.
Ownership and acceptance of strategic plans by national and local authorities are critical preconditions for ensuring sustainable development objectives are met. Limited knowledge about water resources systems in addition to disagreements between water users, stakeholders and decision makers are frequently causes for reduced acceptance of strategic documents and master plans. Collaborative modelling approaches offer a means with which to address such shortcomings in traditional planning and decision making processes. They promote the fruitful engagement and participation of decision makers and stakeholders in the analysis of policy options. Computer-based modelling, communication and visualisation tools are used to support these analyses, with stakeholders involved during one or more stages of the design, construction and use of these tools. Stakeholder involvement in these activities is typically characterised by high levels of participation, influence and control over the developed plan or product. The collaborative modelling processes employed are designed to create the necessary cooperative environments to facilitate the joint formation of negotiated solutions.
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