Planning support tools and their effects in participatory urban adaptation workshops. (1st February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McEvoy, Sadie; van de Ven, Frans H.M.; Blind, Michiel W.; Slinger, Jill H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 207(2018)
• Page Start: 319
• Page End: 333
• Publication Date: 2018-02-01
• Subjects: Urban adaptation planning practice -- Participatory planning -- Stakeholder engagement -- Evaluation -- Planning support tool -- Resilient cities; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.10.041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: In the face of a changing climate, many cities are engaged in adaptation planning and are using participatory workshops to involve stakeholders in these initiatives. Different tools are being used to structure the process and content of participatory planning workshops, but it is unclear what effect the tools have on the workshops and their results. We evaluated three different tools (Group Model Building, the Adaptation Support Tool, and the Stress Test Guideline) and a tool-free approach in repeated simulated workshops, to observe and compare (1) the way workshops played out, and (2) the direct outcomes that were achieved. Tools appear to influence both aspects. Specifically, we measured differences in the learning effects in groups, in the development of shared understanding within groups, in the types of plans that are developed by groups, and in the nature of participation during the workshops. Further research is needed to translate these results into practice, but this is a first step in advancing knowledge about the influence of tools in participatory planning activities. Highlights: We evaluate three tools used to support participatory planning We compare the tools in repeated simulated urban adaptation planning workshops Tools influence the way participants work together in planning workshops Tools influence the types of plans that are produced and effects, like learning