Mosaic governance: A multi-method approach for engaging diverse groups in the planning of green spaces and meeting spots

Report Available in Swedish and English.

The aim of this synthesis fact sheet is to present a sustainable spatial planning framework for revitalising green spaces and meeting spots for social inclusion, biodiversity and well-being, including safety and security. In this report we provide important insights for city planners about how new partnerships can be established between social entrepreneurs, NGOs, municipalities and marginalised groups, with a view to achieve social inclusion, biodiversity and well-being outcomes in green spaces and associated meeting spots. This work is supported by VIVA-PLAN, an international research consortium funded by FORMAS, The Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development.

Three urban districts were included for study in the VIVA-PLAN project. Two of these are located in Sweden (Ronna in Södertälje, Lorensborg/Bellevuegården in Malmö) and one in Denmark (Urbanplanen in Copenhagen). These cases were selected because they share similar environmental challenges and opportunities. All are socially and economically marginalised urban areas, with a highly diverse population. In addition, they all have in-between green spaces of which use and development is being contested.

This study provides a spatial overview of the existing ecological green structure, as well as the social values and preferences linked to those in Bellevuegården and Lorensborg, and in Ronna. Green space with high biodiversity value were often appreciated, but even green spaces assessed as low ecological value can often have important benefits for residents. This study is useful for understanding how different ecological and social values coexist, which places and functions can give rise to conflicts of interest, and where synergies can be created between the needs of residents and those of planning or conservation practitioners. It helps planners to seek solutions taking both biodiversity benefits and social benefits into account.

The results of the two studies discussed in this report have been used in two co-creation events, specifically developed within VIVA-PLAN and VIVA-Hack.