Scenarios for the Dialogue Design Workshop
Scenario 1
The Conflict around Wolves and other Large Carnivores
There is an ongoing conflict between those who want to eliminate wolves or reduce their numbers and those who want to protect them.
You are asked to design a dialogue to try to manage the conflict between local hunters, farmers and environmentalists.
The context
There is a high level of tension. On social media platforms the tone is aggressive. Some people, including the County officials, have received threats. Hate is expressed, not only towards wolves, but also towards “opponents”. Polarisation has reached an extreme level and certain local inhabitants regularly shoot wolves illegally and bury the remains. There is a culture of silence and these crimes are seldom followed up by the police.
Scenario 2
Hydro-power and Living Rivers
The EU Water Framework Directive “requires Member States [… ] to protect and, where necessary, restore water bodies [here rivers] in order to reach good status, and to prevent deterioration. Good status means both good chemical and good ecological status.” Hydro-power plants (dams and turbines) regulate the flow of water but provide energy for the needs of the Swedish society. They also hinder fish from migrating upstream to breed.
Your task is to design a dialogue between the authorities that are tasked with the implementation of the directive and the energy companies that provide electricity through the hydro-power plants.
The context
There are several actors that support both sides of this conflict. The county officials are often supported by the sports fishermenand environmental organisations. They are opposed by cultural organisations and networks who seek to preserve old dams, mills and small hydro-generators. The hydro-power companies are supported by those who want to ensure a good supply of energy at a reasonable price. The sides accuse each other of not understanding societal needs and preparedness, or, on the other hand, not wanting to protect the ecological health of the rivers and lakes.
Scenario 3
Designing a Living Town Centre
A medium-sized town has successfully attracted businesses to invest. These businesses have built warehouses and processing centres on the outskirts of the town, near to the main transport routes. Recently the big supermarket (ICA) moved into a new shopping center that was established closer to the business hub and away from the town centre. Shops are closing and the town centre feels emptier.
You have been asked, by an organsation that collaborates closely with the municipality, to design an inclusive process for ”Creating a Living Centre” for the town.
The context
Citizens, shop and large business owners, municipal planners and politicians, the informal and civil society sector, visitors and people who commute daily to work in the growing business sector are all involved somehow. There is no serious conflict or tension – at least not on the surface.