Coalition Members Discuss Land Management in Rural and Urban environments

Progress has been made with our second coalition meeting. The purpose of this meeting was for coalition members to present their views, analyses, reflections and case studies related to environmental and spatial justice, focusing on land management in both rural and urban environments.

In the upcoming months and events, our goal is to establish a strategy that will be presented as a recommendation to policymakers. We believe this will contribute to our shared goal of a green transition rooted in environmental justice and degrowth principles.

The Very Essence of Spatial Justice

The discussion encompassed various theoretical approaches, experiences and concrete examples concerning the formation and operation of informal civil society groups or coalitions. At its core, the meeting raised a fundamental question about spatial justice:

How can civil society co-create fair, sustainable and community-oriented spatial policies?

Meet Our Coalition Members and Their Presentations

ZARJA MURŠIČ, journalist, researcher

Zarja focused on understanding the role of science communication in achieving sustainable land management. She asked: how can science communication and citizen science support more inclusive and sustainable land management?

ALMA R. SELIMOVIĆ, Bunker – Cultural events NGO

Alma explored the potential of cooperative and cultural infrastructures, as well as artistic interventions, as tools to protect common spaces. She presented two examples: cooperative and cultural centers in Slovenia, and several artistic interventions that “defend” public space or reclaim it as a form of resistance to privatization.

DORIS LETINA, Slovenian rural youth association

Doris addressed the issue of access to agricultural land, examining its use and exploitation. She posed the question:  What systemic barriers and opportunities influence access to agricultural land and its equitable use?

MARTIN VALINGER, Faculty of architecture/ Residencial neighborhood- ŠS6 / Stolpniška

Martin illustrated various forms of urban activism and alternative spatial practices, using  Ljubljana as an example — a city undergoing rapid urban transformations which increasingly threatens common urban goods. He focused on how to develop participatory approaches in urban planning that support community spaces and reflect local needs.

DORA KAVČIČ, Zadrugator – housing cooperative

Dora examined the role of land in alternative housing policy models, particularly rental cooperatives.  Her key question was: What is the role of land in shaping housing policies and the development of rental housing cooperatives?

NEJC LAZNIK, Faculty of social sciences, student

Nejc presented a case study of the Participatory Autonomous Zone of Ljubljana (PLAC), focusing on the role of squats and non-institutionalised spaces in resisting the spread of gentrification. He investigated what such spaces can teach us about the right to the city and the fight against gentrification.

Time for action

We thank our members for their valuable contributions. This meeting, one of many, marks an important milestone in reflecting on our work so far, and we look forward to strengthening and advancing the project.

“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or The Netherlands Helsinki Comittee. Neither the European Union nor the NHC can be held responsible for them.”

#EUfunded #NHC #CatalystofChange #EUValues