Developing detailed foresight narratives: a participatory technique from the Mekong region

Author:

Foran, Tira; Ward, John; Kemp-Benedict, Eric; Smajgl, Alexander

Date of Publication:

2013-10-22

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Journal Title:

Ecology and Society

Volume:

18

Issue:

4

Part:

6

Pages:

18 p

Abstract:

Narratives that explore uncertain events are central to a variety of future-oriented approaches ranging from planning to community visioning. Techniques to create interesting narratives, however, have been overlooked in the peer-reviewed environmental foresight literature. We describe a participatory, multidimensional, pragmatic technique to generate qualitative foresight (“scenario”) narratives. We applied this technique in the Mekong region of Southeast Asia during 11 workshops conducted in 5 countries and 1 regional setting. To improve consideration of systemic connections, narratives were shared between the six settings, allowing participants to understanding cross-scale enablers and inhibitors of desired development outcomes. A second innovative feature is elaboration of character-oriented narratives. We discuss how the technique responds to ongoing methodological challenges of critical inquiry, policy salience, and agency.

Publisher:

Resilience Alliance Publications

Keywords:

foresight; narrative; methodology

Field Of Research:

Environmental Management

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-05796-180406

URL:

Link to Publisher's Version

Rights Notice:

Copyright © 2013 by the author(s). Published here under license by The Resilience Alliance.

Identifier:

EP12587

Publication Sub Type:

Journal article - Refereed

Language:

English

Attribution Statement:

Foran, Tira; Ward, John; Kemp-Benedict, Eric; Smajgl, Alexander. Developing detailed foresight narratives: a participatory technique from the Mekong region. Ecology and Society. 2013; 18(4 6):18 p. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-05796-180406