Supporting a multi-stakeholder dialogue process to solve water non-point pollution at a local level

Abstract

Previous work of Kchouk et al. (this issue) has shown that collaboration between agricultural stakeholders, landowners and drinking water supply (abbreviated AEP in French) operators is necessary to select and implement practical solutions to non-point pollution issues, such as the implementation of artificial wetland buffer zones (abbreviated ZTHA in French). As part of a pilot project in Seine-et-Marne by IRSTEA and to deploy this type of infrastructure, an innovative support approach has been developed on the basis of developing a role-play game in order to stimulate dialogue among stakeholders. In preliminary step, the synthesis of individual interviews with local stakeholders revealed interactions between them. The process was then based on the design and testing of a role playing game that allows the link to be made between the upstream and downstream of the pollution, between the agricultural world and AEP operators, and to debate different types of solutions. Recreating the link between these two worlds and to facilitate their collaboration today is an issue that requires the appropriate tools. Different test and validation phases have been conducted with experts from the agricultural domain, researchers and members of the Technical Buffer Zones Group (led by Irstea / Onema). The extended approach helped lead to the production of a role-play game called "Res-Eau-lutions Diffuse". This tool is operational and generic in the sense that it addresses a problem shared by other communes like Rampillon. It can be easily adapted to other local contexts. The game is based on two complementary levers: changes in practices and management of buffer zones in the territory. Validation tests have helped to highlight the value of this approach to local actors. However, from an operational point of view, it appears that 1) the case of diffuse pollution by nitrate should be included at this stage and 2) a participatory work for re-calibrating the game with stakeholders should be carried out. This step will be required to validate and adapt the rules to their territory and make it more legitimate. This would thus increase the potential of this tool in terms of appropriation and relevance to the investigated situation. Indeed, a role-playing game is more legitimate for players who have participated in its construction because it will provide a representation of the situation and the panel of possible actions in accordance with their own mindsets.