Conflict analysis using Fuzzy Decision Support System: A case study in Apulia region, Italy

In the real world, environmental decision-making takes place in a highly interconnected environment, in which neither the decisional ramifications of a management action, nor the complexity of its impact, can be neglected. Thus, the role of decision support systems is changing. They are now required to facilitate the debate among the different actors, and to support knowledge and information sharing as a basis for achieving a consensus. In this work, a multi-agent system is proposed, which was developed to support the debate concerning the management of a river basin. The system, based on the sequential implementation of knowledge structuring and analysis methods, is able to support decision-makers in identifying other actors with whom to cooperate and/or negotiate in order to increase the effectiveness of management actions. Moreover, it is also designed to support the negotiation process itself and the achievement of an acceptable consensus, and to facilitate the exchange of information and knowledge, contributing to the collective learning process. The system was implemented to support the process by which a consensus was achieved concerning the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation in the Apulia region (South Italy)