community of practice – CIVICGREEN

Examples of Good Practices

Good Practice 1	Spanish citizens’ assemblies on climate change
Brief description of good practice	Citizens’ Assemblies on Climate Change in Spain are deliberative forums that bring together a diverse group of residents to discuss and propose solutions to address climate change challenges in the cities and country. The initiative aims to engage citizens in shaping climate policies, fostering inclusive decision-making, and ensuring that local climate actions reflect the needs and aspirations of the community. The idea behind these assemblies is to harness collective intelligence and citizen expertise to formulate effective and sustainable climate strategies. Duration: The Assembly’s work was structured in five online debate sessions and one face-to-face session over a period of seven months, going through three phases: a first phase of learning, a second of deliberation, and a third of proposal development. Aims: -Generate a collaborative environment among the Assembly’s member organisations. -To increase the visibility and understanding of the Assembly’s objectives to the public and member -organisations -Propose the climate change experts who would make up the expert group -Design the Assembly sessions -Identify good practices from other previously implemented Citizens’ Assemblies Implementation: On 21 January 2020, the Council of Ministers approved the Declaration on the Climate and Environmental Emergency in Spain, with the aim of strengthening climate change mitigation and adaptation policies from a cross-cutting perspective. It includes a commitment to create a Citizens’ Climate Change Assembly to ensure citizen participation in decision-making processes related to climate change. The Citizens’ Climate Assembly strengthens the existing participation mechanisms and offers citizens the opportunity to intervene in an innovative way in the debate on which paths to take to curb climate change. The Citizens’ Assembly approved by majority 172 recommendations for a fairer and more climate-safe Spain. The recommendations are organised by objectives and divided into five areas of life and society: consumption; food and land use; work; community, health, and care; and ecosystems.
Target group of the good practice	Citizens from Spain are randomly selected to participate in the assembly and have the opportunity to contribute their recommendations and views on how to address the climate crisis in their country. The aim of the study is to involve a diverse and representative group of citizens to ensure that a wide range of perspectives and ideas are taken into account in the recommendations on climate action. By engaging citizens directly, the study aims to empower them to actively participate in decision-making processes related to climate change and help shape policy and action. The case study could also have secondary target groups, such as policy makers, government officials, NGOs, and other stakeholders in the field of climate action. These groups would be interested in the results of the citizens’ assembly and the recommendations made by randomly selected citizens. In general, the main target of the case study is the citizens of Spain, as they are the main participants and contributors to the process.
Partners / Actors of good practice	· International Institute for Environment and Development: This organization is likely responsible for conducting and overseeing the case study. They may have initiated the project and collaborated with other stakeholders to involve Spanish citizens in climate action. · Spanish Sustainable Development Network SDSN Spain (REDS): This network plays a significant role in promoting sustainable development and climate action in Spain. They are likely involved in facilitating the citizens’ assembly process and engaging with citizens throughout the project. · Basque Center for Climate Change (BC3): As a research centre focused on climate change, BC3 might provide expertise and technical support to the case study, ensuring the scientific integrity and accuracy of the recommendations made by the randomly selected citizens. · European Climate Foundation: While not directly involved in the Spanish case study, this foundation may have provided insights and resources related to the growing traction of climate citizens’ assemblies in Europe. Their experience and knowledge could be valuable in informing the approach taken in the Spanish context. · The citizens of Spain who participate in the assembly are also critical stakeholders as they are the ones directly involved in providing recommendations and opinions on climate action.
Success factors and difficulties / barriers to good practice	Success factors: The success of the Citizens’ Assemblies relied on the inclusive selection process of participants, the provision of expert information, and the facilitation of open and respectful dialogue. The incorporation of citizen recommendations into policy-making processes and the commitment of the city council to act on the outcomes were key factors in its success. Difficulties / Barriers: Challenges during the implementation included ensuring the representativeness of participants, managing divergent viewpoints, and maintaining momentum after the conclusion of the assemblies. Risks included the potential for tokenism if recommendations were not taken seriously and the need for ongoing engagement to sustain the dialogue.
How can this good practice be linked to the CIVIC GREEN project, its scope and its activities?	The Citizens’ Assemblies on Climate Change align perfectly with the scope and activities of the CIVICGREEN Project, as both initiatives emphasize citizen engagement, sustainable urban development, and climate action. The practice is inspiring for CIVICGREEN because it empowers citizens to actively participate in shaping local climate policies, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusion. Through deliberative forums, the practice enables citizens to contribute their knowledge and expertise, ensuring comprehensive and context-specific climate solutions. The active engagement of citizens enhances the legitimacy and effectiveness of climate policies, making them more likely to be embraced and implemented by the community. The transferability and sustainability potential of this practice rely on its inclusivity, transparent communication, and collaboration with stakeholders, which can be adapted and replicated in different cities within the CIVICGREEN Project, fostering a culture of citizen-driven climate action.
Related links	Website of the good practice: “Spanish Citizens Assembly Case Study: Involving Citizens in Climate Action” by International Institute for Environment and Development: https://asambleaciudadanadelcambioclimatico.es/ https://www.unsdsn.org/spanish-citizen-assembly Spanish Sustainable Development Network SDSN Spain (REDS) and the Basque Center for Climate Change (BC3): https://reds-sdsn.es Other related resources that have been developed and are available online: European Climate Foundation; The growing traction of climate citizens assemblies: https://europeanclimate.org/stories. “Citizens’ Assemblies on Climate Change: A Guide for Practitioners” by Climate Assembly UK: https://www.climateassembly.uk/ ● https://globalassembly.org/ ● https://www.oecd.org/gov/open-government ● https://www.democracywithoutborders.org

Good Practice 1	Alcorcón Participa 2023
Brief description of good practice	Alcorcón Participa 2030 is a programme to articulate and promote citizen and social participation in our municipality. This programme aims to continue a process of development of the social fabric and participation of all citizens with the ultimate goal of creating a Municipal Plan for Citizen Participation designed by all participants. It has led to workshops, meetings and conferences that have made the associations more visible and enabled them to make progress in everything related to participation. Duration: 3 years, in continuation. Aims: Establish fluid channels of communication between the city council and citizens. To create and encourage citizen participation in the bodies created for this purpose. Strengthen the socio-cultural fabric and encourage its participation in municipal life. Consolidate informal associations, contributing to citizen meetings, socialisation, and the recovery of public spaces in the city. Promote, advise, and train social organisations in the municipality. Implementation: Launch and Promotion: Announcing the initiative, creating awareness, and encouraging citizens to participate through various communication channels. Engagement Mechanisms: Setting up online platforms, organizing public events, workshops, and meetings to facilitate citizen input and feedback. Data Collection: Gathering opinions, ideas, and proposals from citizens through surveys, consultations, and focus groups. Analysis and Evaluation: Reviewing the collected data, identifying key themes and priorities, and evaluating the feasibility and impact of proposed solutions. Policy Development: Incorporating citizen input into the development of policies and action plans for the city’s future. Implementation and Monitoring: Executing the agreed-upon policies and continuously monitoring their progress and outcomes.
Target group of the good practice	The residents of Alcorcón, including citizens of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. Additionally, relevant stakeholders such as local businesses, community organizations, and civil society groups might also be part of the target audience.
Partners / Actors of good practice	Residents of Alcorcón: They are the primary stakeholders whose engagement and participation are essential for the success of the initiative. Local Government: The municipal authorities and decision-makers are critical stakeholders responsible for facilitating the participatory processes and incorporating citizen input into policy-making. Community Organizations: Non-governmental organizations and community groups may have a vested interest in specific issues and can contribute valuable perspectives. Local Businesses: Private enterprises can play a role in supporting sustainable initiatives and projects that align with their corporate social responsibility goals.
Success factors and difficulties / barriers to good practice	Success factors: The success of Alcorcón Participa lies in the transparency of the decision process, clear communication channels, and effective citizen engagement strategies. The inclusion of diverse voices and the direct impact of citizen proposals are crucial factors in its success. Difficulties / Barriers: Challenges during implementation may include ensuring broad participation, reaching marginalized communities, and providing accessible platforms for citizens to contribute. Risks involve managing expectations, addressing conflicts of interest, and maintaining the integrity of the decision-making process.
How can this good practice be linked to the CIVIC GREEN project, its scope and its activities?	It provides a platform for active citizen engagement by allowing residents to propose projects, discuss ideas and participate in voting processes. It allows citizens to directly influence the allocation of public funds and fosters a sense of ownership over local decision-making. The participatory practice in Alcorcón is inspiring for the CIVICGREEN project activities because it exemplifies a successful model of active citizen participation in local governance and decision-making. By involving citizens in the ultimate goal of realising a Municipal Citizen Participation Plan, this practice allows them to directly influence community development and prioritise projects according to their needs and aspirations. This aligns with the core objectives of the CIVICGREEN project, which aims to promote sustainable and inclusive urban development through citizen participation.
Related links	Website of the good practice: ALCORCÓN PARTICIPA 2030: https://www.ayto-alcorcon.es/es/servicios/participacion-ciudadana https://alcorcon.citizink.com/info/ Other related resources that have been developed and are available online: Participatory Budgeting Project (PBP): The PBP is a nonprofit organization that promotes and supports participatory budgeting initiatives in various communities. Their website provides valuable resources, case studies, and toolkits related to participatory budgeting. https://www.participatorybudgeting.org/ World Bank – Participatory Budgeting: The World Bank has several publications and resources related to participatory budgeting, focusing on its implementation, impact, and best practices in different countries. https://www.worldbank.org/ United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Participatory Budgeting: UNDP also offers resources and publications related to participatory budgeting, with a focus on how it contributes to sustainable development and democratic governance. https://www.undp.org/ European Union – Participatory Budgeting: The European Union has supported participatory budgeting initiatives in various member states. Their website may provide insights into how participatory budgeting is being implemented in European cities. https://europa.eu/european-union/

Tools

Tool 1	Vouliwatch
Brief description of the tool	Vouliwatch (“Vouli” means Parliament in Greek) is a non-partisan parliamentary monitoring/transparency promoting organisation that was set up and legally registered in Athens in March 2014 in response to the rising disillusionment of a large segment of the Greek population towards parliamentary democracy and the broader Greek political system.
Target group of the tool	The organisation’s main goal is to bridge the gap between citizens and their political representatives whilst promoting a culture of transparency, accountability and active citizenship. In doing so, Vouliwatch makes use of innovative digital technology applications whose purpose is to facilitate the monitoring of parliamentarians’ activities (including their financial interests), the transparent communication between MPs/MEPs and their constituents as well as the recording of all parliamentary activity (legislative process).
The tool is developed by …	Vouliwatch was launched in March, 2014 as a result of a long and persistent team effort. Its founding members comprise diverse backgrounds and careers, from national and European politics to communications arts, social entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. The joint effort aspires to combine technology with legislative politics, as a means to enhance citizen engagement and improve the quality of legislation and policy making.
How this tool can be related to CIVIC GREEN Project and its scope and activities?	The CivicGreen project and the “VouliWatch” initiative share common goals and principles related to citizen engagement and participation in democratic processes, with a particular focus on environmental issues. Here’s how the two initiatives can be related: – Enhancing Transparency and Access to Information: “VouliWatch” aims to increase transparency and accountability in the Greek legislative process by providing citizens with access to information about parliamentary activities, debates, and decisions. This aligns with the CIVICGREEN Project’s goal of promoting transparency and access to environmental information, policies, and decision-making processes. – Facilitating Citizen Engagement and Participation: Both “VouliWatch” and the CIVICGREEN Project seek to foster citizen engagement and participation in democratic processes. While “VouliWatch” focuses on monitoring parliamentary activities, the CIVICGREEN Project engages citizens in monitoring environmental policies and projects. Promoting Open Data and Civic Tech Innovation: “VouliWatch” utilizes open data and civic tech tools to increase transparency and accountability in the Greek Parliament. Similarly, the CIVICGREEN Project may leverage open data platforms and civic tech innovations to improve access to environmental information, facilitate data-driven decision-making, and enhance public participation in environmental governance. Advocating for Policy Reforms and Institutional Changes: Both “VouliWatch” and the CIVICGREEN Project may engage in advocacy efforts to promote policy reforms and institutional changes that support transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance processes. By raising awareness about environmental issues, mobilizing public support, and advocating for policy reforms, these initiatives can drive systemic changes that improve environmental governance, strengthen democratic institutions, and enhance the quality of life for citizens in Greece.
Related links	Access website of the tool: https://vouliwatch.gr/about/en Other related resources that have been developed and are available online: Operating as an informal group since 2006, known as “Second Generation”, its primary goal was to secure citizens’ rights about Active citizens – Civic participation. https://g2red.org/el/

Tool 2	The Greek Sustainability Code
Brief description of the tool	The “Greek Sustainability Code” is a tool places the notion of Sustainable Development in the core of business management and operations. The tool upgrades the level of risk management while it incorporates environmental criteria in the value chain of the banking services.
Target group of the tool	The principles of the “Greek Sustainability Code” constitute a strong motive for the adoption of corporate social responsibility practices according to the European standards and they will mostly contribute to the measurement of the economic, social, and environmental performance of the companies. The “Greek Sustainability Code” constitutes a structured system in terms of transparency and self-commitment of the Organizations. It meets the need for measurement of the economic, environmental and social performance of the organizations with the purpose of enhancing their competitiveness.
The tool is developed by …	The development of the “Greek Sustainability Code” is a result of QualityNet Foundation’s (QNF) cooperation with the German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) in the context of the Initiative “Sustainable Greece 2020”. The adaptation of the Greek Sustainability Code to the requirements of the Greek Market is the result of a wider dialogue with 2 Institutional Bodies, 33 Business Associations, 120 Companies, 177 Local Authorities and 44 Civil Society Organizations by means of Dialogue Groups, the Committee for the Development of the Code and open consultation process.
How this tool can be related to CIVIC GREEN Project and its scope and activities?	The “Greek Sustainability Code” and the CIVICGREEN Project can be related in several ways, particularly in their shared goals of promoting sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. Here’s how the “Greek Sustainability Code” can be related to the scope and activities of the CIVICGREEN Project: Enhancing Environmental Performance and Sustainability Reporting: The “Greek Sustainability Code” provides guidelines for organizations to measure and report their environmental performance, which aligns with the CIVICGREEN Project’s goal of promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. By encouraging companies to assess and disclose their environmental impacts, both initiatives contribute to the measurement and monitoring of environmental performance, thus facilitating informed decision-making and promoting sustainable practices. Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Both the “Greek Sustainability Code” and the CIVICGREEN Project emphasize the importance of stakeholder engagement and collaboration in promoting sustainability. By encouraging organizations to engage with stakeholders and consider their interests in decision-making processes, the “Greek Sustainability Code” fosters dialogue and collaboration between businesses, civil society, and government. Similarly, the CIVICGREEN Project seeks to engage citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders in environmental governance processes, promoting participatory decision-making and inclusive sustainability initiatives. Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The principles of the “Greek Sustainability Code” and the activities of the CIVICGREEN Project are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to environmental protection, social equity, and economic prosperity. By promoting CSR practices and environmental governance, both initiatives contribute to the achievement of SDGs such as Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Collaboration between the “Greek Sustainability Code” and the CIVICGREEN Project can amplify their impact and help advance progress towards the SDGs in Greece and beyond.
Related links	Access website of the tool: https://greekcode.sustainable-greece.com Other related resources that have been developed and are available online: NETWORK OF RESPONSIBLE ORGANIZATIONS & ACTIVE CITIZENS https://qualitynetfoundation.org/en/the-organization/

Resources

Resource 1	E-GRAINE
Short description of the resource	Objectives: E-graine aspires to cultivate a sense of belonging to a common humanity. The organization aims to be a weaver of connections between knowledge, societal actors, and thereby a guide for citizen engagement towards more united and responsible territories!Brief description: E-graine is an associative movement of popular education composed of volunteers and professionals, gathered within local associations, a Union of e-graine associations, and specialized organizations.Date: Since its creation in 2006, the commitment of numerous citizens has enabled the implementation of the associative project of the movement through innovative educational actions in the metropolitan area.
Target group of the resource	Adult audience for global citizenship education. Promoting a critical awareness of global challenges and translating awareness into individual and collective engagement. Global Citizenship Education (GCE) aims to provide learners of all ages with the means to take an active role both locally and globally in building more peaceful, tolerant, inclusive, and secure societies.
The resource is published/broadcasted by …	A FRENCH GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION MOVEMENT e-graine is a French associative popular education movement (grassroots) made up of volunteers and professionals, grouped within local associations, a Union of e-graine associations and specialized organizations.
How this resource can be related to CIVIC GREEN Project and its scope and activities?	e-graine, like CIVICGREEN, sees participatory and consultation processes as a collective construction between stakeholders of a territory through exchange, reflection, debate, and cooperation. Through active pedagogy, the associative movement engages citizens in thinking together about the world we live in and becoming actors in the transition towards sustainable development, both individually and collectively, at the level of their neighbourhood, city, region, country, and the planet!
Related links	Resource website: https://www.e-graine.org Other related resources on which this resource is based: https://www.cultivonslaparticipationcitoyenne.org