Bridging local knowledge and system modeling for land-use-based climate action: a co-created decision-support system

Land-use planning is essential for climate adaptation and mitigation, but local authorities often lack decision-support tools that effectively link scientific modeling with place-based knowledge. This paper shares findings from RethinkAction, a project that co-developed an Integrated Assessment Platform with stakeholders across six diverse European regions: semi-arid, island, alpine, temperate, continental, and Atlantic. The approach combined a structured six-workshop co-creation process with data-driven elements. These included downscaled climate indicators, high-resolution land-use and suitability maps, impact-chain-based risk assessments, a catalog of land-use-based adaptation and mitigation solutions (LAMS), and linked simulation engines utilizing local system dynamics models and the WILIAM model at European and global scales. Co-creation improved the platform’s usability and credibility by translating local priorities into measurable objectives and actionable LAMS packages. Results show that participatory design can successfully bridge the gap between expert modeling and local knowledge, enabling transparent workflows and scenario testing for proactive policy evaluation. Across cases, this method altered solution rankings and spatial targeting compared to expert-only baselines, especially regarding water-energy trade-offs. Key lessons emphasize the importance of early scope clarity, accessible communication, iterative feedback, and realistic expectation management. Ongoing challenges include uneven data availability and integrating qualitative insights. Overall, this study demonstrates how participatory, data-driven modeling can create decision-support systems that are both scientifically sound and socially robust, offering valuable guidance for future data infrastructure, capacity building, and long-term upkeep.