Project

By the documents of spatial planning have been determined the optimal distribution of people, goods and services at the territory for their optimal use. They have been made on the basis of various indicators and information related to a certain level of administrative units. Geographic Information System (GIS) as a set of data, technologies and theories, that places all information on the spatial component in the unique context and creates a mutually causal relationship between the objects and phenomena in space, is the best tool to manage data for spatial planning. Not only that it facilitates decision-making processes in the processes of working out spatial plans, but it also can be used for the purpose of ensuring public access, in a very clear way. Public participation is a fundamental principle of sustainable development, and is necessary in order to reconcile the demands of economic development with environmental protection and social requirements for the purpose of making a decision acceptable to all sides. According to the Law on Spatial Planning of the Republic of Croatia, the general public participates during the procedure in spatial planning through the institutions of public scrutiny and public debate, and with the upcoming accession to the EU, the public should begin to participate in the process of preparing the documents. Although the mechanisms of participation have long existed, the public participation is insufficient or untimely. This reaction stems from the lack of awareness on the importance of spatial planning for quality of life, ignorance regarding mechanisms to claim their rights, inaccessibility and lack of understanding of spatial plans. Since the CSOs have been recognized as “intermediaries” between the public and local authorities, we focused the project on informing and training of CSOs on the role and importance of spatial planning and their rights and possibilities to achieve them, in order to be able to transfer their knowledge to their members and beneficiaries.

Specific objectives of the project:

1. To raise public awareness by improving the availability and understanding of spatial planning, with the help of new technologies
2. To build a dialog of CSOs and local government, by fostering the principles of transparency and good governance in the field of spatial planning
   Since in every county exists the problem of insufficient communication and cooperation between public and civil sector, and public sector and citizens, this project will improve communication on the issues of the current problems – spatial planning . Through numerous projects DEŠA worked out a SWOT analysis in several municipalities in the county, and in the each analysis the first and main problem was related to spatial planning.

Target groups are:

1. Local CSOs in 3 project counties (app. 25 representatives). We will focus with this action on representatives of the most active CSOs for capacity-building and education activities;
2. Local authorities and public bodies in City of Dubrovnik, City of Zagreb and Zagreb County – In the framework of their activities, we have to emphasize the role of local committees, which we will include in the project, since they are the lowest form of organizing the citizens committees to organize citizens, through which citizens participate in resolving the issues that affect the lives and work in the community. (app. 12 representatives).
3. Project partners – project partners will have one more experience in implementing activities on topic of spatial planning, as well as stronger partnership for future cooperation (10 persons).

Final beneficiaries are citizens of 3 project counties, members and beneficiaries of CSOs in 3 project counties, project partners, and the community as a whole, units of local self-government (app. 700 persons)

1. CSOs and the public informed about the role and importance of spatial plans;
2. CSOs and the public informed about GIS technology;
3. Increased capacities of CSOs for work with new technologies;
4. Established improved communication of CSOs, the public and units of local government in the process of making spatial planning;
5. Established Urban Planning Portal (UPP)

WP0 Project management:

• 0.1. Working meetings,
• 0.2. Internal Evaluation;

WP1. Development of a model of cooperation, CSOs and local government in addressing problems in spatial planning:

• 1.1. Creation of document that defines a model of cooperation,
• 1.2. Creation of charter between CSO’s and local self-government units
• 1.3. Research on public opinion on Spatial Planning;

WP2. Educational activities:

• 2.1. Lecture:”The legal framework and the right of access to information”,
• 2.2. Lecture “Spatial Plans and public participation”,
• 2.3. Workshop “GIS in spatial planning”,
• 2.4. Developing GIS guidelines;

WP3. Establishment of Urban Planning Portal
• 3.1. Designing the information system of UPP
• 3.2. Adaptation of urban plans data for UPP
• 3.3. Aditional data collection and editing,
• 3.4. Development, installation and testing of UPP;

WP4.Project promotion:
• 4.1.Info flyer,
• 4.2.Promotional campaign,
• 4.3. Final conference