A serious game approach to promote non-traditional solutions and ecosystem services for water adaptive management

Water problems related to floods, droughts, water quality, and supply demand require methods focused on harnessing the inherent capabilities of ecosystems to cope with water related problems and the ecosystems natural capability to address water-related challenges by leveraging this advantage on maintaining ecological balance. Although it demands more investments than traditional approaches, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) has a significant impact on promoting sustainability and its success relies on careful planning, collaboration with local communities, and adaptive management strategies. This study aims to develop an engaging and educational serious game to demonstrate how NbS can serve as a strategic approach for fostering the development of smart and resilient cities in response to the challenges posed by climate change, water-related risks, and disasters. By engaging individuals in a virtual environment, serious games can effectively communicate the consequences of various water-related decisions and encourage sustainable practices among the public. Thus, designed for a diverse audience, including students, urban planners, decision-makers, and the general public, the game utilizes realistic mathematical models to simulate climate change scenarios and extreme weather events. Yet, players can make challenging decisions in implementing NbS, like creating urban green zones, watershed management, and aquatic ecosystem restoration. The game can also incorporate real-world data for specific geographic areas, emphasizing the effectiveness of NbS in regional contexts. Finally, the game incorporates water modeling techniques, leveraging the robust capabilities of HydroPol2D and/or HyMAP models. These models enable the simulation of water runoff in two dimensions by utilizing Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), land use and rainfall data. Furthermore, collaboration with local communities and adaptive management strategies are crucial components, showcasing the importance of stakeholder engagement.