Participation in revitalization
Moderators:
Aleksandra Dębska-Cenian, Pomeranian Science and Technology Park, Gdynia Social Innovation,
Paweł Kołacz, Sustainable Development Lab Foundation
Time: 1. Day (Thursday, May 28.), hrs.15:45-17:45
Location: II floor, zone H
Format: discussion session
Lots of urban areas in Poland are still to be described as disadvantaged. They require complex and effective revitalization. Therefore billions of zlotys will be spent on various revitalization programmes including those that will be financed from the EU funding over the coming years.
Moreover the long-awaited Revitalization Act is still being worked upon. Under this law participation will become an integrated part of revitalization and thus will have to be applied by local authorities as one of the local policies.
New “Local Revitalization Programmes” have to be based on a precise examination of needs of local communities. Only then will urban areas be designated for revitalization. The requirement for civic engagement at each phase of programme preparation is the major change when compared to the previous financing period.
Why is it important to know how to get citizens to participate in change-inducing processes? What does it actually mean? Does revitalization require any specific participatory instruments? What is the role of citizens, local partners, NGOs and local authorities? How to comply with the Revitalization Act in our participatory undertakings?