Description

In September 2002, during the annual meeting of French biosphere reserves, it was decided to mount a research programme around shrub ancroachment in partnership with the four biosphere reserve managers. In the Northern Vosges biosphere reserve several officers from the Regional Park are involved in the project in conjunction with a small interdisciplinary group of researchers (ecologist, geographer and sociologist). Thanks to funding from the IFB, M. Etienne proposed amalgamating each individual's approach by co-constructing an agent-based model representing the interactions between natures and societies in a valley bottom representative of the Northern Vosges .

The approach was broken down into five phases:

1.  Co-constructing the conceptual model using the ARDI method by identifying the main stakeholders, resources and dynamics taking part in the shrub encroachment of a valley bottom;
2.  Implementing an agent-based model and identifying interactions required to deepen available knowledge;
3.  Developing complementary interdisciplinary research on the interaction between grazing and shrub encroachment, on the dynamics of the alder and on resident perception of the fallow lands;
4.  Development of scenarios on the likely changes in the region depending on whether or not livestock rearing is maintained or whether or not biodiversity issues are taken into accoun;
5.  Situated simulation exercise for the residents in a fictitious region but nevertheless close to their reality, to make them react collectively to the vegetation dynamics under a role-playing game involving the main stakeholders in the valley bottom (elected representatives, biodiversity reserve officers, farmers, landowners, residents, etc.).

The approach culminated in close and fruitful collaboration between researchers from different disciplines and managers of the biosphere reserve. The various perceptions of valley bottoms and senses of the word “fallow land” were understood better. It encouraged the Park officers to raise further questions over shrub encroachment and to think up alternative solutions to maintaining the current herd of highland cattle.