Experiencing the challenge of bringing together data, resources and perspectives
in planning the relocation of entire communities at risk of climate hazards
Exploring Relocation Through a New Lens
The Planned Relocation Simulation takes place in a fictional world inspired by real-life challenges. It integrates insights and concerns from communities undergoing the relocation, offering a grounded yet imaginative setting for exploration. Through immersive roleplay, participants encounter a wide range of perspectives, highlighting the critical role of empathy in multi-stakeholder dialogue, negotiation, and conflict resolution for adaptation and relocation decision-making.
Where Community Meets Climate Policy
Welcome to a region on the edge of change. Along this climate-vulnerable coast lies Mantoa, a fishing village with deep cultural roots now grappling with rising seas, repeated storm surges, and damaged infrastructure. Inland, the hilly settlement of Ombona faces its own challenges—seasonal droughts and increasingly unreliable farming conditions. Many residents have already migrated to Port Orika, the region’s largest city and economic hub, in search of jobs, stability, and essential services. These three interconnected communities are each feeling the pressure of a changing climate—and they are looking to local leaders for direction.
In response to growing impacts across the country, the national parliament has passed a Climate Relocation Act, establishing a multi-agency Planned Relocation Taskforce. Tasked with coordinating potential relocation efforts, this body brings together representatives from various government institutions—with funding in hand, but limited guidance. Through the Planned Relocation Simulation, participants step into the roles of community leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders to navigate the complex decisions ahead. The future of the region is uncertain—and what happens next depends on the choices they make.
Research & Insights
The Planned Relocation Simulation was developed not only as a practical tool for dialogue and decision-making but also as a platform for research. As part of the process, we are conducting extensive pre- and post-simulation evaluations to better understand participants’ perceptions and decision-making processesThrough multiple iterations, co-design workshops, and pilot sessions across different countries, we have generated valuable insights into how stakeholders understand and navigate the complexities of planned relocation.
Our research explores key themes such as:
- How role-play can foster empathy and cross-sector understanding
- The trade-offs and tensions in adaptation and relocation planning
- Differing perceptions of and responses to risk
- Community identity, culture and place attachment
- Decision-making under uncertainty and institutional constraints
- ….
About the Designers
The Planned Relocation Simulation is the result of a collaborative, co-design process involving community representatives , researchers, facilitators, planners and policy practitioners. Across a series of co-design workshops, diverse voices helped shape a simulation that captures the real-world complexities of planned relocation—from governance structures and competing interests to cultural ties and lived experiences.
The design was led by a core team of simulation experts and enriched by contributions from those working directly in climate adaptation, community engagement, and systems thinking. This participatory process helped ensure the tool remains grounded, flexible, and relevant across a range of contexts.
Michalina Kułakowska, Bartosz Naprawa, Przemysław Jankowski, Noam Obermermeister
David Durand-Delacre
In collaboration with
This project was made possible through the generous support of our funding partners, the Robert Bosch Foundation and Munich Re Foundation.
Ready to get started?
This simulation is available under a Creative Commons license. You are free to use and adapt the materials for educational, policy, or community engagement purposes.
Before and After You Play
We kindly ask all participants to take a few minutes to complete our short surveys. Your feedback helps us improve the experience and better understand its impact.
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