Abstract for:Stakeholder group modelling as a participatory tool to identify and reduce barriers for co-management of multifunctional landscapes

The aim of the study was to test the usefulness of group modelling as an approach for participatory landscape planning to maintain a long-term sustainable and attractive landscape under increasing demands for natural resources, biodiversity protection, recreation and tourism. We used group modelling with 20 stakeholders from the Söderåsen mountain area in southern Sweden interacting at four workshops over a year and with peer-review of the result in between. In the modelling process the stakeholders defined the sub-questions for the modelling work and collectively developed and reviewed their problematizing and understanding of the landscape–land-use system through the joint construction of CLD models, allowing them to both synthesize and critically assess, their own and others, perspectives, assumptions and biases while reducing superficial conflict over discourse.