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RESEARCH ARTICLE: Using Simulation Games to Teach Ecosystem Service Synergies and Trade-offs

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 September 2014

Gregory M. Verutes  and
Amy Rosenthal
Gregory M. Verutes*
Affiliation:
Training Program Manager and GIS Specialist, Natural Capital Project, Stanford University, Stanford, California; and Conservation Science Program, World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC. Senior Specialist, Science–Policy Interface, Conservation Science Program, World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC.
Amy Rosenthal
Affiliation:
Training Program Manager and GIS Specialist, Natural Capital Project, Stanford University, Stanford, California; and Conservation Science Program, World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC. Senior Specialist, Science–Policy Interface, Conservation Science Program, World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC.
*
Address correspondence to: Gregory M. Verutes, Natural Capital Project, Stanford University, 317 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305; (phone) 516-987-1492; (fax) 650-725-1783; (e-mail) [email protected].
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Abstract

Natural capital is of critical importance for biodiversity and people’s well-being. Studies indicate that understanding the connection between environmental health and human benefit (i.e., ecosystem services) can promote conservation-friendly decisions; however, many people don’t recognize the benefits they derive from nature, nor the way their decisions affect those benefits—and the consequences for our communities and economy. One method we have tested for educating people about ecosystem services and valuation is game-based learning. To help people understand their potential impact on ecosystem services, and how alternative decisions can have better or worse outcomes for people and nature, we created two social simulation games collectively called Tradeoff! Through an iterative design process and pilot testing in a number of locations with a variety of audiences, we have developed a set of learning principles for educational ecosystem service games.

Environmental Practice 00: 1–11 (2014)

Type
Features
Information
Environmental Practice , Volume 16 , Issue 3 , September 2014 , pp. 194 - 204
Copyright
© National Association of Environmental Professionals 2014 

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