A participatory systems mapping approach for sustainability transitions: Insights from an experience in the tourism sector in Portugal

Abstract

The use of participatory modelling approaches in sustainability transition studies has been limited despite its potential contributions to transitions research. In this article, a methodological framework was designed based on a Participatory Systems Mapping (PSM) approach to structure and frame sustainability problems in transition management processes. The framework comprises three phases: 1) transition framing and actor selection, 2) PSM transition workshop, and 3) synthesis and evaluation. In a case study of the Portuguese tourism sector, participants created a shared systems view of tourism sustainability issues, based on the development of causal loop diagrams. Transition concepts, such as landscape-regime and niche-regime interactions, are specified in the diagrams. The PSM approach also provided a collaborative platform for co-creation of shared sustainability visions, thus fostering formalisation of a broad roadmap for desired transition pathways.