Simulations as a Dialogue Tool: Strengthening Community Engagement and Local Democratic Processes

Communities face innumerable challenges when adapting to changing environmental and climate conditions. These challenges necessitate the collective involvement of community members. However, divergent interests between various groups can impede the development of projects at a slow pace. To avoid resistance, it is essential to engage citizens as early as possible in the planning process, although caution must be taken to prevent the possibility of manipulation and loss of trust. The HUMAT simulation tool has been developed to explore the effects of policy strategies before implementing them. The project INCITE-DEM endeavours to establish the efficacy of the HUMAT framework as a participatory tool to support local decision-making. Simulations have proved promising in encouraging constructive dialogue among citizens and facilitating transparency and collaboration in local democracy. We are optimistic that the INCITE-DEM project will promote informed and inclusive decision-making in communities by transforming simulations into a dialogue tool that bridges shared perspectives and dimensions of disagreement.