Présentation du séminaire et programme

Participatory research has recently been used in numerous studies in geography. Participatory research aims at involving all stakeholders and raise awareness on the spatial implications of decisions, with the objective to reach consensus. Participatory research has been used in renewable resources management and land planning. However, despite great hopes put in the method, a number of biases have been identified. Among them, inequalities in access to participation, or a lack of neutrality in contexts where large disparities in power are found.  Such biases question the usefulness of the approach. Is participatory research the latest fashion, or can they really bring significant change to geography? Our keynote speakers will attempt to answer this question, bringing their experience in participatory modeling in GIS in a diversity of contexts (Senegal, Philippines, Thailand, France). Françoise Orban, Pierre Stassart and Nicolas Dendoncker will also share their experience. The seminar will consist in seminars, group discussions and practical activities simulating field participatory research.

SAMBA Role Playing Game in Vietnam (Photo J-C Castella)

28 September 2010
8h30 Welcome and registration
9h-12h Introduction and case studies with P. D’Aquino et C. Barnaud
14h Practical exercise: role game
17h Welcome cocktail

29 September 2010
9h-12h Participatory GIS: A. Ignacio and F. Orban
14h Critical review: C. Barnaud
17h Participatory research in Belgium: N. Dendoncker and P. Stassart

30 September 2010
9h-12h30 group discussion and conclusion

Seminars are scheduled to take place in French, except A. Ignacio