Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
understanding how stakeholders can potentially positively or negatively affect resto-
ration outcomes, why they make decisions that are counter to or supportive of restora-
tion goals, and how restoration can be planned and implemented to achieve the desir-
able outcomes. Yet, game theory has rarely been employed in a restoration context.
In this chapter, we briefly describe a game theory approach using examples to
illustrate how it can aid restoration planning. Within game theory, there are two
branches of analysis: noncooperative (more commonly used) and cooperative game
theory. We begin by describing noncooperative situations, which are common in res-
toration, and later briefly discuss the process for moving to cooperative situations. We
conclude by reiterating what can be learned from game theory that is applicable to
restoration projects generally, as well as in specific situations. We draw on a range of
examples to illustrate points but refer repeatedly to large-scale efforts to restore ripar-
ian forest on agricultural lands along the Sacramento River, the largest river in Cali-
fornia. These efforts are described in more detail in several other publications (Golet
et al. 2006; Buckley and Crone 2008; Golet et al. 2008, 2009). Many of our examples
are general situations rather than specific case studies for illustrative purposes, and the
reality is that real-world situations always include confounding factors that must be
weighed as well. Following introduction of the tools and concepts, we will describe
some of our own experience applying these principles for restoration projects.
Game Theory Concepts
Using game theory as a framework begins with organizing the people, relationships,
and available information. Analysis of likely outcomes, and ways to improve out-
comes, builds from the structure described in this section.
Overall Approach
The basic approach of game theory for analyzing a situation can provide previously
unconsidered information that can improve restoration outcomes. The basic steps for
analyzing a restoration decision scenario entail the following:
• Identify all parties (groups or individuals) that can affect the restoration
outcome.
• Identify the choices facing these parties that might affect the restoration
outcome.
• Map the relevant decisions that might affect the restoration outcome.
• Identify the individual trade-offs for each party for their decisions.
• Identify the impacts on other parties for each possible decision.
In reality, the number of possible decisions and interactions facing a restoration
project is typically too great to practically map and consider them all at once. Large
general strategies and small pieces of the overall decision process can be approached
much more readily. Limiting any particular analysis to less than approximately six par-
ties and preferably two or three is more manageable and makes for more accessible