Exploring current approaches to strengthen social cohesion in neighbourhoods across Europe- CONET – URBACT II

Description

The baseline study documentation reflects several trains of thoughtconcerning integrated approaches and their role in strengthening socialcohesion: the state of the art in the partner cities and across Europe and inthe different branches of the profession, the assessment of how to further thecourse of action in the cities (needs and gaps). This is in relation to: thelocal projects, which the partner cities consider to be an important furtherstep, and to the city as a whole or also even the broader levels of regional,national or European policies

Background information

Social segregation and polarisation are increasing, even in rich Europeancities – in spite of the fact that a lot has been done to improve sustainableliving conditions in deprived areas and to better the chances of theinhabitants. Of particular importance to social cohesion are the fields ofeconomy and employment, education and community life, themes which CoNet decidedto focus on. Depending on the local situation, other important fields – likehousing, health or environment – may of course also be included within theframework of integrated projects.

Methodology

The network declines the methodology of URBACT II. Every partner city willhave designed a local action plan to strengthen social cohesion in the selectedarea. These plans will be of high value, because the relevant stakeholders willhave taken part in it from the start and a good deal of knowledge will have beenincorporated. In every participating city, knowledge about new governance, inrelation to integrated approaches and its impact on strengthening socialcohesion in deprived areas, will be deepened and put into practice. The basicsof this modern, complex and sophisticated approach and its associated know-howare transferable.

Conclusions

The CoNet lead expert Prof. Dr. Rotraut Weeber visited all 11 partner citiesbetween June and September 2008. The partners prepared for the visit with thehelp of a questionnaire developed by the lead expert. A draft of the baselinestudy was presented and discussed at the network's kick-off meeting on 9 Octoberin Berlin. The final version is a 176 pages document published on 16 October.

Contact info

Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development - Section Socially Integrative City
Ms Petra Nothdorf

Project finished

Researcher

Co Net – Cohesion Network

Document type

research