**4. Framework for Integrative Stakeholder Engagement**

Despite the immense potential for digital platforms to be used for stakeholder engagement, there are limited guiding frameworks for how they should be implemented in conjunction with best practice IWRM principles. We present our framework for stakeholder engagement and collaboration on water-related issues and projects using digital platforms (Figure 4). The framework was generated based on IWRM principles and our collective experience of engaging with stakeholders on water resource developments and complex water management issues We then apply this framework to three case studies using the Basin Futures platform. The framework comprises of five main steps. The first is to identify the problem or issue at hand, for example, will the water supply be sufficient for future demands of a particular basin. The second step is to define the problem, identify the stakeholders, define goals and constraints and identify alternatives. The third step is the collaborate with stakeholders and explore options within the digital platform, including determining the current water balance and future changes through multiple scenarios. The fourth is to evaluate options explored and their environmental, economic and social impacts. The final step is to decide on an option or identify alternatives.

**Figure 4.** Framework for stakeholder engagement and collaboration on water-related issues and projects using digital platforms.

## **5. Case Study Applications of Basin Futures**

#### *5.1. Case Study 1: Stakeholder Engagement in Agricultural Development Projects*

The world's population is projected to increase by 35% by 2050, which will require a 70–100% rise in food production given projected trends in diets, consumption, and income [6,28,29]. Over three-quarters of the projected increased population live in developing countries and in regions that already lack the capacity to produce enough food [30]. Increased food production can be achieved by increasing crop yields on existing farmland through better sustainable management practices or expanding crop production areas. Sustainable development of agricultural resources requires resolution and incorporation of diverse stakeholder values and interests. Collaboration and effective communication between local-scale farmers, governing bodies and research organisations can enable an efficient agriculture production system to be designed.

The Basin Futures platform can be used to explore and collaborate on agricultural development scenarios. The platform can be parameterised to incorporate current agriculture demands on an annual basis and forecast potential expansions, intensification and changes to agricultural systems as well as changes in water supply caused by other factors such as climate change. Basin Futures can assess the temporal reliability and production values of various agricultural scenarios and determine the impact on water resources and the environment. We selected the Purari Basin in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to demonstrate a potential stakeholder engagement strategy regarding agricultural development using the Basin Futures platform.

#### 5.1.1. The Problem—Agricultural Development in the Purari Basin, Papua New Guinea

Agriculture plays a vital role in the Papua New Guinean economy. It employs ~50% of the national workforce, which generates 15% of gross domestic product (GDP) [31]. Despite its importance, agricultural productivity in PNG is generally low due to inadequate infrastructure and access to essential knowledge and farm inputs. It is estimated that 30% of the land is suitable for agriculture, yet only 2.2% is used commercially [31]. Papua New Guinea aims to enhance agricultural productivity, the scale of production, market access and income generation [31]. We use the Purari Basin as an example of a potential PNG basin to undergo agricultural development. The Purari Basin is located in the district of Chuave, Papua New Guinea. Purari Basin has an area of 33,080 km and an approximate population of 1.9 million people. The Basin experiences low water stress, but droughts and floods occur regularly.

#### 5.1.2. Understanding the Problem

Papua New Guinea is a rural society with the majority of the population living in traditional communities [31]. There is limited commercial agriculture, and most produce is from small-scale, family-run farms. Small-scale farmers would provide invaluable insights into crop types, planting dates, expected yields and seasonal influences that would provide validation of the current agricultural baseline along with calibration of projected developments. The Purari Basin is home to several protected areas such as the Siwi-Utame Wildlife Management Area. Therefore, any major development is likely to require approval and engagement from indigenous peoples and national governing bodies such as the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority. Potential agricultural development would require a collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement across multiple assessment levels (Table 1).


**Table 1.** Stakeholder model inputs, contributions and outputs at various assessment levels within the Purari Basin. Directions of arrows indicate increases (↑) and decreases (↓) of outputs.


**Table 1.** *Cont.*
