Planned Relocation Simulation

To raise awareness and stimulate thinking on the long-term, complex, and varied forms of planned relocations in the context of disasters and climate change, the United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and the Centre for Systems Solutions (CRS) have developed a tabletop social simulation.

The Planned Relocation Simulation is set in a fictional region inspired by real-world cases of relocations of entire communities affected by disasters and climate change. The design integrates insights and concerns shared by researchers, practitioners, and community representatives familiar with planned relocation processes in diverse places like Australia, Fiji, India, Mozambique, Panama, Senegal, the USA and others. 

Simulation participants adopt different roles representing community groups and government agencies. Each role comes with its own priorities, responsibilities, and constraints. Through role-play and interactions, participants access a wide diversity of perspectives on planned relocation. To find solutions to the challenges posed by the simulation, they must negotiate with each other, engage in systems thinking, and balance trade-offs. 

The simulation highlights common concerns about planned relocation. Participants can expect to experience :

• The many facets of relocation planning that go beyond building new houses, putting the needs of concerned people at the forefront: developing new services, job opportunities and protections for place-based cultural heritage, but also to identify infrastructure needs, review zoning regulations…
• The potential tensions between planning for relocation well and early enough vs. prematurely excluding adaptation solutions that could enable people to stay.  
• The challenges of - and need for - communication, coordination, and inclusive decision-making.
• The importance of community consent combined with effective external support, to realise their right to self-determination.

The simulation is designed as an in-person tabletop experience for groups of 12-20 participants, facilitated by one or two moderators. A complete simulation lasts 3 to 4 hours, including presentations and the essential step of debriefing. The ideal setting for the simulation is therefore as a standalone half-day workshop, or as a session in a longer workshop. 

The primary audience for the Planned Relocation Simulation are policymakers, funders and non-governmental organisations who may, or will, assist communities in their relocation decision-making and planning, but are currently unfamiliar with the challenges involved. Educators may also find the simulation a useful tool for the classroom in high-schools and universities.

The Planned Relocation Simulation was designed with the inputs of researchers, practitioners, and community representatives from around the world, who gracefully shared their insights and provided critical, constructive feedback at various stages in the process. The project also benefited from a knowledge and network partnership with the Platform on Disaster Displacement, and was co-funded by the Robert Bosch Foundation and the Munich Re Foundation.