Developed methodology and the 3 smart models (GIS-based solutions, community involvement, and multi-stakeholder governance) for integrated UGS management.
Elaborating a thorough baseline survey to form the basis for the development of Smart Models for integrated UGS management and roadmaps later. The baseline study presents a synthesis of the results of the European level analysis and seven local assessments undertaken by local project partners. Though the overall scope of the local assessments covered functional urban areas, the primary focus of the assessments in the majority of the cases was on the current situation of territorial units under public administration. The local assessment analysis revealed many successful participatory practices applied by partners which can be transferred together with the learnings from good practices from wider Europe. These can serve as a firm basis for better and more inclusive UGB governance and also for designing UGB smart models in later stages of the project. The analysis confirms that the establishment of multi-stakeholder governance-related practices is one of the most demanding issues concerning urban green spaces. The highest number of challenges in partners’ areas is related to governance and management, mostly associated with inadequate horizontal and vertical cooperation. Though partners apply some promising practices, there is still plenty of room for improvement in terms of internal, vertical, and cross-sectoral cooperation; applicable rules and procedures and coordination mechanisms; and innovative forms of collaboration.
Resources needed
The total project budget was 2.391.306,02 EUR out of which 2.005.049,99 was funded by the ERDF within Interreg VB Central Europe Programme 2014-2020.
The partnership consisted of 10 partners from 7 EU countries.
Evidence of success
Partners from 7 countries developed innovative 3 methods and tools as guides linked to: community involvement wiht 3 pilots; multi-stakeholder governance for 7 country, and 3 pilot GIS methods leading to integrated models for managing urban green spaces smartly. These novel solutions were tested jointly through pilot actions and compiled into a 1 smart governance manual to serve as guidance on reforming green spaces management for any public authority in Europe for the benefit of inhabitants.
Difficulties encountered
The highest number of challenges were related to existing governance and management, mostly associated with inadequate horizontal and vertical cooperation, in terms of internal, vertical, and cross-sectoral cooperation, applicable rules and procedures, and coordination mechanisms.
Potential for learning or transfer
The model of multi-level governance facilitates the dialogue process for UGS planning and implementation where public authorities gain expertise on how to exploit the various environmental, social, and economic benefits of UGS, how to create a cooperation platform integrating all related stakeholders - to manage UGS more effectively and sustainably, to improve the environmental performance of their FUA. By adapting the Green Infrastructure approach decision-makers will get committed to integrating the management of green spaces into the local/regional environmental management system. channeling the issue into spatial planning&development policies. By establishing a systematic co-working between public bodies from all levels and relevant non-governmental stakeholders within FUAs and involving community groups in co-creation & maintenance processes - financial, organisational & human public capacities related to UGS management will be significantly improved.
Tags: Community, Cooperation, Governance, Green infrastructure, Models, Planning, Public sector, Smart, Stakeholders, Sustainable management, Urban development
