Integrated wetland management: an analysis with group model building based on system dynamics model

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecosystem Management
• Resource Management

Background:

• Wetlands provide vital ecological services, including water purification, flood control, and habitat provision.
• Economic growth and population increase have led to significant wetland degradation.
• Sustainable wetland management requires integrated and systematic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the resource management of the Jiading Wetland.
• To understand stakeholders' mental models regarding the impact of the yacht industry on the wetland.
• To develop a system dynamics model for simulating wetland environmental dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Group Model Building (GMB) to identify stakeholders' mental models.
• System Dynamics (SD) modeling to simulate the wetland environment.
• Analysis of stakeholder perceptions versus model-driven behaviors.

Main Results:

• The GMB process enhanced stakeholder comprehension of wetland-environment-policy interactions.
• The SD model simulated the dynamic changes within the Jiading Wetland.
• Discrepancies between stakeholder perceptions and model behavior were identified.

Conclusions:

• The integrated approach facilitated broader stakeholder understanding and consensus-building for wetland resource management.
• System dynamics modeling is effective for simulating complex wetland ecosystems.
• Addressing the impact of industries like yachting is essential for wetland conservation.