Building scenarios for environmental, nature and spatial planning policy

Key steps in building scenarios

The guidance document leads the readers through the successive phases of a scenario project. For each phase, the document also discusses the choices that can be made as well as their possibilities and limitations.

• Preparation phase: outline scenario project, define deliverables, selects methods, and organise scenario project
• Implementation phase – developing scenario components: construct a baseline scenario, develop contextual scenarios, develop policy scenarios, make additional choices, and derive key messages
• Implementation phase – applying methods: organise stakeholder participation, write essays, produce particular designs, carry out model calculations and combine and integrate methods
• Completion phase: record the outcomes, account for the methodology, and disseminate the results

Useful for various target groups

The guidance document primarily focuses on researchers working on local, national, European and/or global levels. The document is also interesting for managers and policymakers who are planning to request or commission a scenario study.