Exploring management strategies for community-based forests using multi-agent systems: A case study in Palawan, Philippines

Published Date
August 2009, Vol.90(11):3607–3615, doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2009.06.016

Author 

Paolo C. Campo ^a

Guillermo A. Mendoza ^b,,

Philippe Guizol ^c

Teodoro R. Villanueva ^d

François Bousquet ^e

^Author 

• aUniversité de Paris X, Nanterre, Paris, France
• bDepartment of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, 1102 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
• cCentre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, (CIRAD) and Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Bogor, Indonesia
• dUniversity of the Philippines Los Baños, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, College, Laguna, Philippines
• eCentre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, CIRAD-Baillarguet Campus, Montpellier, France

Received 23 October 2008. Revised 8 June 2009. Accepted 21 June 2009. Available online 28 July 2009.

Abstract

This paper describes the experiences and lessons learned in applying a multi-agent systems (MAS) model to study the dynamics and complex interactions among stakeholders in the management of community-based forests. The MAS model is developed using the companion modelling (ComMod) approach, which allows for a collaborative development of the model between the stakeholders and researchers. This approach involves the development and application of role-playing games (RPGs) and computer simulation as learning tools and to validate the model. Inferences are drawn from the learning and negotiation processes that the stakeholders and researchers underwent in the collaborative development of the MAS model. These processes ultimately led to the development of a collaborative resource management plan. The approach and the MAS model were applied to a case study involving a community-based forest managed by three villages in the island of Palawan, Philippines.

Keywords

Community-based forest management

Multi-agent systems

Participatory management

Companion modeling

Role-playing games

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• ☆
  Earlier version of this paper was presented at the International Union of Forestry Research Organization (IUFRO) Conference on “Improving the Triple Bottom Line of Smallholder Forestry” held at Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines on June 17–21, 2007. Paper was partially funded by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), and the University of Illinois.

• ∗ 
  Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 217 333 9347; fax: +1 217 244 3219.

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