Using stylized agent-based models for population–environment research: a case study from the Galápagos Islands

Brian W Miller; Ian Breckheimer; Amy L McCleary; Liza Guzman-Ramirez; Susan C Caplow; Jessica C Jones-Smith; Stephen J Walsh

doi:10.1007/s11111-010-0110-4

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Using stylized agent-based models for population–environment research: a case study from the Galápagos Islands

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Using stylized agent-based models for population–environment research: a case study from the Galápagos Islands

Brian W Miller, Ian Breckheimer, Amy L McCleary, Liza Guzman-Ramirez, Susan C Caplow, Jessica C Jones-Smith and Stephen J Walsh

Population and Environment, Vol.31(6), pp.401-426

2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11111-010-0110-4

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Abstract

Environmental Sciences

Studies in Human Society

Economics

Galápagos Islands

invasive species

land use/land cover

livelihoods

NetLogo

Agent-based models (ABMs) are powerful tools for population-environment research but are subject to trade-offs between model complexity and abstraction. This study strikes a compromise between abstract and highly specified ABMs by designing a spatially explicit, stylized ABM and using it to explore policy scenarios in a setting that is facing substantial conservation and development challenges. Specifically, we present an ABM that reflects key Land Use/Land Cover dynamics and livelihood decisions on Isabela Island in the Galápagos Archipelago of Ecuador. We implement the model using the NetLogo software platform, a free program that requires relatively little programming experience. The landscape is composed of a satellite-derived distribution of a problematic invasive species (common guava) and a stylized representation of the Galápagos National Park, the community of Puerto Villamil, the agricultural zone, and the marine area. The agent module is based on publicly available data and household interviews and represents the primary livelihoods of the population in the Galápagos Islands-tourism, fisheries, and agriculture. We use the model to enact hypothetical agricultural subsidy scenarios aimed at controlling invasive guava and assess the resulting population and land cover dynamics. Findings suggest that spatially explicit, stylized ABMs have considerable utility, particularly during preliminary stages of research, as platforms for (1) sharpening conceptualizations of population-environment systems, (2) testing alternative scenarios, and (3) uncovering critical data gaps.

Details

Title: Using stylized agent-based models for population–environment research: a case study from the Galápagos Islands
Authors: Brian W Miller (Author) - University of North Carolina, United States
Ian Breckheimer (Author) - University of North Carolina, United States
Amy L McCleary (Author) - University of North Carolina, United States
Liza Guzman-Ramirez (Author) - University of North Carolina, United States
Susan C Caplow (Author) - University of North Carolina, United States
Jessica C Jones-Smith (Author) - University of North Carolina, United States
Stephen J Walsh (Author) - University of North Carolina, United States
Publication details: Population and Environment, Vol.31(6), pp.401-426
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Date published: 2010
DOI: 10.1007/s11111-010-0110-4
ISSN: 0199-0039
Copyright note: Copyright © 2010 Springer Netherlands. The author's accepted version is reproduced here in accordance with the publisher's copyright policy. "The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11111-010-0110-4
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449292702621
Output Type: Journal article

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