Sim-MANA: A Learning Game to Promote Integrated Flood Risk Management Using Nature-based Solutions

Abstract

Background

Recent research (projects, articles, etc.) has demonstrated the interest of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), which aim at harmonizing flood management and sustainable development. However, their practical implementation is confronted by different obstacles, in particular the lack of knowledge about these measures and their efficiency for flood management.

Intervention

To meet this need, we have developed a learning game entitled ‘Sim-MANA’, an assessment protocol and a workshop-building approach. The assessment protocol was implemented in five workshops with various groups, including local authority teams, the general public, and territorial administrators.

Methods

Sim-MANA combines a role-playing game, a computerized simulation based on an Agent based-model and a physical interface (a 3D model of the territory). The game is designed for groups of between 5 and 25 players, who assume the roles of local stakeholders and citizens (for example, members of the municipal team, the watershed syndicate, local businesses and contractors, and so on). In order to evaluate the efficacy of the tool in facilitating learning, a series of pre- and post-questionnaires, an in-game observation grid, associated with a debriefing protocol have been developed.

Results

In the period spanning 2023 and 2024, five distinct gaming sessions were conducted and subsequently evaluated. The workshop provides an opportunity to learn about flooding and NbS, reproduce tensions, and conduct negotiations around urban planning choices. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in stimulating debate and serving as an arena for discussion, but the assessment of the learning generated is more nuanced and calls for more experiments.

Conclusion

The Sim-MANA game has already demonstrated its potential for raising awareness of flood management and NbS. However, this tool alone is not sufficient to meet the objectives of increasing the capacity of local stakeholders in integrated flood management.