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The Transformative Potential of Active Citizenship: Understanding Changes in Local Governance Practices

Author

Listed:
  • Thomas J.M. Mattijssen

    (Wageningen Economic Research, Wageningen University Research, Prinses Beatrixlaan 582, 2595 BM Den Haag, The Netherlands)

  • Arjen A.E. Buijs

    (Forest and Nature Conservation Policy Group, Wageningen University Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3-3 A, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
    Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3-3 A, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Birgit H.M. Elands

    (Forest and Nature Conservation Policy Group, Wageningen University Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3-3 A, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Bas J.M. Arts

    (Forest and Nature Conservation Policy Group, Wageningen University Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3-3 A, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
    PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, P.O. Box 30314, 2500 GH The Hague, The Netherlands)

  • Rosalie I. van Dam

    (Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3-3 A, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Josine L.M. Donders

    (Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3-3 A, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

This paper focuses on understanding the transformative potential of active citizenship in green space governance. Through an in-depth case study, we show how citizens promoted the redevelopment of a brownfield into a green space, but eventually also contributed towards a broader co-creative shift in local governance. In this process, we highlight how a shift in citizens’ activities from contestation towards collaboration led to the uptake of citizen-driven discourses and activities in spatial planning. The social connectivity between governance practices is of key importance in this transformation—successful governance practices that involve active citizens can inspire others. Even so, transformation is often a slow and path-dependent process which also depends on an enabling policy environment. Cooperating with authorities provides citizens with power, but also requires alignment with official rules. Creating and maintaining effective partnerships will remain a challenge for citizens and policymakers that strive for societal transformations.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas J.M. Mattijssen & Arjen A.E. Buijs & Birgit H.M. Elands & Bas J.M. Arts & Rosalie I. van Dam & Josine L.M. Donders, 2019. "The Transformative Potential of Active Citizenship: Understanding Changes in Local Governance Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(20), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:20:p:5781-:d:277917
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Marijke Dijkshoorn-Dekker & Vincent Linderhof & Thomas J.M. Mattijssen & Nico Polman, 2020. "Food Secure Metropolitan Areas: The Transition Support System Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-16, July.
    3. Fernando Chapa & María Perez Rubi & Jochen Hack, 2023. "A Systematic Assessment for the Co-Design of Green Infrastructure Prototypes—A Case Study in Urban Costa Rica," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-18, January.
    4. Wim Bosschaart & Noelle Aarts & Riyan J.G. van den Born, 2020. "Towards a Sustainable Landscape: Constructing Identities and Ambitions in a Citizen Initiative in the Making," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-20, October.
    5. Sina Razzaghi Asl & Hamil Pearsall, 2022. "How Do Different Modes of Governance Support Ecosystem Services/Disservices in Small-Scale Urban Green Infrastructure? A Systematic Review," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-21, August.

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