While observing the actions of local governments, including one in Bydgoszcz, taken to manage the green spaces, we have diagnosed two main problems: the current procedures and policies do not protect the public green spaces in urban areas and the existing tools for green spaces management are not conducive to public’s engagement. Reports from the Supreme Audit Office published in 2015 and 2019 confirm that reality for our town as well.
We will investigate the current green spaces management policies in Bydgoszcz to diagnose the specific problems. We will take into consideration both current laws and standards, as well as the question of including and engaging local citizens in the decision-making process. As part of our working visit to Oslo, Norway, we will learn what tools and solutions are employed by their citizens. We will also use the Community of Practice method – a practice of social learning through work done by the stakeholders to solve a problem. We will invite representatives of the community, the City Hall, homeowner associations and developers to participate. The group will design and implement solutions for the city of Bydgoszcz – town’s green spaces standards, an app designed to help with green spaces management, and additional tools for activating local community and stakeholders. The engagement will take form of a collaboration between the community members, NGOs, homeowner associations, local entrepreneurs, kindergartens and schools, and the City Hall for the improvement of the city’s green spaces, on projects like refurbishing lawns, or creating a communal garden.
The city of Bydgoszcz and the city of Oslo will be our project partners. Bydgoszcz will support our initiatives and Oslo will share its experience and knowledge on engaging citizens.
