Parallel sessions A - Wednesday 19 May 16.30 - 18.00

Please note that differences in number of speakers per session is due to the use of various session formats (roundtable, panel, interviews, etc.).

Objectives

Improving quality of life is one of the main objectives and concerns of individuals, policymakers and stakeholders. It is a broad concept relating to general levels of wellbeing and happiness in society. It does not solely refer to material resources, but also focuses on enabling people to achieve their goals and satisfy their needs and desires. Thus the concept interconnects many different dimensions of life such as social, physical and cultural aspects.

Providing high quality of life is a key element for the long-term success of cities. This session discussed the factors influencing quality of life and explored ways to integrate it into urban planning and management.

• Does the focus on quality of life support or hinder sustainable development?
• What assets and challenges does urban development face when applying the concept at city-region level?

Methodology

The short introduction to the main objectives of the session was followed by a series of presentations to provide deeper understanding of the concept of quality of life. Conceptual frameworks were illustrated through various first hand experiences on how the concept has been adapted to urban planning across Europe. In the open discussion that followed, participants, together with speakers, pondered different aspects of the framework and vision on how to apply the quality of life concept in practice. Concluding remarks by the facilitator closed the session.

Contributors

Facilitator: Birgit Georgi, Project manager, European Environment Agency, Copenhagen, Denmark

High quality of Life – redefining a comfortable way of living [Abstract_EN]
Åsa Karlsson Björkmarker, Member of the Executive Board, Växjö, Sweden (Presentation_EN)

A revealed preference approach to quality of life in urban-rural interference [Abstract_EN]
Petri Kahila, Senior Research Fellow, Nordic Centre for Spatial Development (Nordregio), Stockholm, Sweden (Presentation_EN)

Quality of life and well-being of citizens for an ambitious social cohesion policy in Lille Metropolitan Area (Abstract_ FR)
Astrid Scharly, Vice President Sustainable Development and Agenda 21, Lille Metropolitan Area, France (Presentation_FR)

Rapporteur: Lauri Hooli, Communication Coordinator, Union of the Baltic Cities, Commission on Environment

Organised by the Union of Baltic Cities (UBC)

Objectives

Solidarity is one of the main goals of the European social model and finds its expression in social inclusion aiming at social and economic progress for all. It is one of local governments’ major tasks to enable all groups living in their cities and towns to take part in society as active citizens.

With the economic crisis, solidarity is under pressure as more people depend on social services while at the same time fewer financial resources are available.

• How is the crisis experienced at the local level and what measures can be taken to build on previous achievements, even in difficult times?
• How are vulnerable groups affected? How can the social dimension play a greater role in the sustainable development strategy and be better integrated into relevant policies at local, regional, national and European level?

Methodology

Following an introduction into the topic of the session, speakers representing local governments brought in their experiences on how cities and towns can turn challenges into opportunities for their citizens. Representatives from specific networks added a critical and provocative dimension to the debate. Participants had the possibility to enter into an inspiring and lively discussion on how to make social inclusion happen.

Contributors

Facilitator: Frédéric Vallier, Secretary General, Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)

Jef Gabriels, President of the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities and former Mayor of the City of Genk, Belgium
Bashy Quraishy, Chair of the Advisory Council, European Network Against Racism (ENAR) [Background Info_EN]
Haroon Saad, Director, European Regeneration Network (QeC-ERAN)

Rapporteur: Hannele Häkkinen, Director Brussels Office, Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities

Organised by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)

Objectives

Consumers do not always behave rationally and consistently. This is referred to as the so-called values behavior gap. Pioneer companies consider sustainable development as a decisive “value” driver in their business. However, we know today that environmental gains made by industry in cleaner production are being offset by the increase in consumption levels world-wide. This is reflected by the municipal waste generated. Therefore, action is needed to reorientate the consumer choices – the choices of individuals, industry and public institutions – towards more sustainable lifestyles, purchasing decisions and improved waste management systems in order to remain within the carrying capacity of the Earth.

For the local authority the question is how, in its role as policy maker, it can influence consumer behavior and producers/ distributors through initiatives such as policy making, information and sensitization campaigns, (behavior) research, financial incentives, close monitoring of actions undertaken by various actors, establishment of cooperation platforms including all actors…

Methodology

Following a session introduction into the topic by the facilitator, 4 speakers highlighted at first the important role of local authorities and other key stakeholders in promoting sustainable practices throughout ‘chain management’. The speakers, considering their respective expertise, indicated the main barriers to overcome as well as the opportunities to consider when developing new sustainable consumption and waste management policies.

After the 4 presentations and questions, the facilitator synthesized a number of ‘success factors’ highlighted throughout the presentations and determined key elements to the positioning of European Cities and Local Governments in the ‘resources-product-waste’ debate. 

Contributors

Facilitator: Olivier De Clercq, Secretary general, ACR+ (Presentation_EN)

Waste-products-resources chain and carbon footprint [Abstract_EN]
Peter Tom Jones, University of Leuven, Belgium (Presentation_EN)

Communicating sustainable consumption through behaviour change (Abstract_ EN)
Hugh Coughlan, Senior Officer, Dublin City Council, Ireland

Innovative ways to reduce and manage waste at local level highlighting the important role of local authorities in promoting sustainable practices
Gilles Mahé, Deputy Mayor, Angers, France (Abstract_FR)
(Presentation_EN)

Waste reduction, engaging citizens, companies, educational establishments and NGOs: “European Week for Waste Reduction” project presentation
Mireia Padros, Coordinator of the EWWR, Catalan Waste Agency, Spain (Presentation_EN)

Rapporteur: Xara Xirou, Project manager, ACR+

Organised by the Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling and Sustainable Resource Management (ACR+)

Objectives

Local authorities around Europe are starting to react to the potential risks posed by the changing climate. It is therefore important to increase resilience to climate impacts by developing and adopting local adaptation strategies and introducing concrete measures such as increasing urban green space, investing in decentralised energy systems, setting up more suitable building codes and securing a quick response through heatwave and/or flood response plans.

The local level can also contribute to the EU debate on adaptation. In April 2009 the European Commission published a White Paper on Adaptation, which presents the framework for adaptation measures and policies to reduce the European Union's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.

This session gave examples of successful local adaptation strategies as a part of overall climate strategies/plans of the cities and towns. It also aimed to provide a link with the local action and the European policy debate on adaptation.

Methodology

Following an introduction into the topic of the session, local authorities leading by example shared their experience by highlighting key issues of their adaptation strategies. Each presentation concentrated on specific and successful adaptation measures.

With the help of a representative of the Committee of the Regions, links with the European policy work and the realities of local authorities were highlighted. This debate contributed to making conclusions on the need for a European framework to support the local work.

Contributors

Moderation: Thorsten Geissler, Lübeck, Germany

Ronan Dantec, Deputy Mayor, Nantes, France

The integration of climate adaptation in spatial planning: design and methology – practical examples from the Province of Groningen
Rob Roggema, CITTÀ IDEALE, Province of Groningen, Netherlands (Abstract_EN)

From sectoral policies to a more comprehensive and integrated adaptation strategy to climate change (Abstract_ FR)
Pierre Crepeaux, Project Manager for Climate, Grand Lyon, France (Presentation_FR)

Creating Climate Resilient Societies: the role of local and regional authorities & the proposed EU framework for action (Abstract_EN)
Henning Jensen, CoR member, Mayor, Næstved, Denmark

Rapporteur: Andreas Kress, Project Manager, Climate Alliance

Organised by Climate Alliance

Objectives

Climate protection, adaptation and energy independence are now local buzzwords – with energy a fundamental element in all three areas. Considering the extensive release of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in urban areas that contribute to global warming, as well as the localised impact of climate change, it is clear that local change is essential. Here local governments play a central role - leading, guiding and motivating their communities to reduce emissions and ensuring that community resilience is improved by adapting to the anticipated climate change impacts. Change is needed across all sectors, from energy to buildings, transport, water, and waste. It is necessary to make infrastructure more robust, not only against expected impacts (e.g. more violent storms, flooding, droughts), but also against changes such as depleting fossil fuels and rising energy costs. The transition to sustainable energy - a combination of energy savings, improved energy efficiency and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy (RE) – can effectively address all three priorities.

This session dealt in particular with RE, based on the assumption that the energy transition requires action in all three areas that contribute to sustainable energy. Some key questions many cities and towns need to deal with are:

• How are local governments planning and implementing local RE solutions? What are the deciding factors?
• How is policy developed? How, and by whom, is the most appropriate technology selected?
• Is RE stable enough as a solution?
• Can cities and towns consider switching to 100% renewable to cover community energy demand? 

Methodology

Following an introduction into the topic, local governments from the across Europe with different examples and experiences in implementing RE presented their examples. The cases reflected a diversity of RE sources and approaches, reflecting available options and diversity in approaches. Speakers shared their experiences and lessons learned, in particular highlighting replication factors and context-specific aspects that assisted or blocked the roll-out of RE.

After the presentations and questions to speakers, participants helped develop potential positions and identify key elements to the RE positioning of local governments in the European and global climate debate towards a post-2012 framework – also through the LG Action project (www.lg-action.eu).

Contributors

Facilitator: Paula Baker, CoR Member; Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, United Kingdom

Geothermal energy and actions on renewable energies in Province of Siena [Abstract_EN]
Paolo Casprini, Environmental Policy Director, Province of Siena, Italy (Presentation_EN)

How to become an energy self-sufficient community [Abstract_EN]
Christian Keglovits, Project Coordinator, EEE, Guessing, Austria (Presentation_EN)

From vision to reality - fossil fuel free Stockholm [Abstract_EN]
Gustaf Landahl, Head of Environment and Health, Stockholm, Sweden (Presentation_EN)

Starting up with a Local Energy Action Plan – a practical perspective [Abstract_EN]
Atanaska Nikolova, Deputy Mayor, Burgas, Bulgaria (Presentation_EN)

Rapporteur: Maryke van Staden, Climate & Air Coordinator, ICLEI - European Secretariat

Organised by ICLEI

Objectives

Biodiversity in cities is threatened by various factors, including urban sprawl; water, soil and air pollution; the effects of climate change; and over-exploitation of natural resources. People in cities have a high responsibility for the pressure on biodiversity because their lifestyles are so resource-intensive. Local governments are thus key actors in conserving and managing biodiversity, both locally within their own responsibility for planning and resource management and globally, since resource consumption within urban areas affects ecosystems around the world.

This session explored how local governments can significantly contribute to protecting this global resource, through policies and concrete actions. Examples of cities and towns that have recognized the importance of biodiversity and have successfully integrated it into their local policies and activities were presented. The session also analysed the benefits that local actions for biodiversity can derive from national and international support, and what kind of framework conditions local governments need.

Methodology

The introduction highlighted the benefits of biodiversity and intact ecosystems in an urban context, and underscored local governments as key actors. City presentations illustrated how they have managed to integrate biodiversity into the tasks and responsibilities of their local governments. The ensuing discussion focused on enabling framework conditions for local action and how to better anchor local-national cooperation. It could thus contribute to the Local Government Biodiversity Roadmap towards the Conference of the Parties (COP 10) for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (October 2010, Nagoya/ Japan).

Contributors

Facilitator: Monika Zimmermann, Director, International Training Centre, ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, Freiburg, Germany

The multiple benefits of biodiversity and intact ecosystems – and why local governments are key actors [Abstract_FR]
Marie Decima, Environment Officer, CERDD (Centre Ressource de Développement Durable), France (Presentation_FR)

Local governments protecting biodiversity in France
Philippe Bodard, Mayor, Mûrs-Erigné, France

Local Action for Biodiversity (LAB) – planning and action in Zagreb [Presentation EN]
Valerija Kelemen-Pepeonik, City Planning Advisor, City of Zagreb, Croatia

Local Action for Biodiversity (LAB) in Barcelona – facing current challenges and planning for the future [Abstract_EN]
Toni Pujol Vidal, Environmental Officer, City of Barcelona, Spain (Presentation_EN)

Special intervention from the floor
Laura Valente de Macedo, Regional Director, ICLEI-Latin American and Caribbean Secretariat

Rapporteur: Andre Mader, Coordinator, Local Action for Biodiversity (LAB), ICLEI Africa, Cape Town, South Africa

Organised by ICLEI

Objectives

Today, most citizens in Europe enjoy the benefits of functional and satisfactory local water services. On the other side, water management has often become out of tune with the broader context of urban development. Too often, the performance and economic viability of water supply, waste and storm water systems remains the overriding objective. In addition, planning and management frequently fail to recognise the value of water beyond human requirements and the need to preserve the resource on a long-term basis.

This session encouraged participants to look at the urban water cycle in a more holistic way. It re-emphasized the need to consider water as a cross-cutting issue in all aspects of urban strategic planning and highlighted examples of comprehensive local strategies towards more sustainable water management.

Methodology

All speakers participated in a panel discussion in which they focused on one or two key factors that have made their specific approach to water management an outstanding story of success. They also shared with the audience some of the conclusions and lessons learnt while introducing new programmes to meet both the needs of the citizens and the water eco-systems in a balanced way.

With a short preliminary statement all speakers first indicated the key success factors for more sustainable water management which they would like to emphasize in this session. Guided by the facilitator each panellist had up to 10 min. to provide more details on the local context and the frameworks that have functioned as drivers and catalysts for making things happen on the ground. Issues addressed were, among others, the role of political leadership, participatory governance, integrated urban planning, technological innovation etc. that have been instrumental for achieving tangible progress.

Contributors

Facilitator: Anne Le Strat, Deputy-Mayor of Paris responsible for water, France

Sustainable water management in the City of Koprivnica [Abstract_EN]
Helena Hecimovic, City Councillor, Koprivnica, Croatia (Presentation_EN)

The experiences of Limoges in sustainable water management
Alain Rodet, Mayor of Limoges, France

Sustainable water management in Zaragoza
Lola Campos, Councillor of Zaragoza, Spain (Abstract_ES) (Presentation_ES)

Hammarby Sjöstad a district with emphasis on water and ecology [Abstract_EN]
Malena Karlsson, Information Officer, Hammarby Sjöstad, Stockholm, Sweden (Presentation_EN)

Coping with the growing threat of flooding due to climate change while situated in a river water basin [Abstract_EN]
Martine Beuken, Environmental Official, 's-Hertogenbosch Municipality, The Netherlands (Presentation_EN)

Rapporteur: Wolfgang Teubner, Executive Director, ICLEI Europe, Germany

Organised by ICLEI