This book is the result of a research-action on the conditions of the citizen participation in the policies of urban regeneration in response to a survey ordered by the minister in charge of the “policy of the large cities” within the Belgian federal government. This research-action, coordinated by the team Habitat and Development of the unit of urbanism and territorial development of the UCL, was carried out in partnership with four associated members of the HaCER network (Habitants Citoyens d’Europe en Réseau), the Neighbours association of Trinitat Nova, Barcelona (Spain), the Estate Management Board of Bloomsbury, Birmingham (UK), the Stadttleilgruppe of Tenever, Bremen (Germany), the Unione Borgate, Rome (Italy) as well as the Maritime Quarter Committee in Molenbeek-St-Jean (Belgium).  Beyond these 5 testimonies of participation’s experiments, research makes it possible to better seize the articulation between the practices and the institutional environment in which the participation evolves. As a result, a series of proposals are applicable to Belgium.

It was begun in June 2002, following up the first European conference on citizen participation and urban policy which took place on 8th and 9th October 2001, under the Belgian presidency of the European Union. During this conference, empowerment practises were put forward in different European states. Going further, the Belgian state decides to explore the institutional framework of empowerment in a sample of 5 member EU states. The Minister also organized a European meeting to sustain the exchange of empowerment experiences and methodologies.

It is a bottom-up approach. The reflection is based upon an observation the experience and upon the comments of those involved. From this point of view there is no such thing as "good" practise, but practise. As a social construction, however, they are always as meaningful and indicative of a certain type of rapport to the laws and institutions.

The challenge was to find a grid pattern of thought that would enable the researchers to produce a critical analysis and an understanding of the legislative and institutional frameworks relevant to the practises under consideration.

The five experiences do not provide miracle solutions. However, these experiences emphasize the need for including the territorial development in a fundamental reform of policy that would encompass the cultural dimension and the creation of new forums for the exchange of strategic skills. In that way, public services would include those that are in direct contact with the territory.

Catholic University of Louvain: Town and country development unit
http://www.urba.ucl.ac.be/hd/index.htm
Prof. Declève, tel. +3210472347

01/01/2004

Catholic University of Louvain: Town and country development unit - Program ‘Habitat and Development’

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation