This is part 3 of an upcoming Local Regen Guide. 🌱
Sustainable Spaces For The Public Benefit
Throughout history, many communities have suffered from degrading public spaces due to industrialization and overconsumption.
As a result, public spaces often get seen as unsustainable and prone to mismanagement.
However, with the rise of regenerative principles, we are beginning to see a shift in how we view and manage these spaces.
Regeneration means restoring, renewing, and growing. Applying this concept to public spaces involves revitalizing these areas to enhance their value and promote sustainable practices.
Creating regenerative public spaces involves:
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Rethinking planning & management.
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Engaging local communities in the decision-making process.
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Encouraging long-term sustainability over short-term progress.
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Promoting and practicing the principles of circular economy.
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Prioritizing biodiversity and ecological health.
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Advocating policy changes at local levels: Bottom-up approach to policy
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Supporting the protection & regeneration of public spaces
Regeneration is more than just repairing what's broken; it's about enhancing and sustaining the value of our public spaces for future generations.
Transparent Public Goods
Let's imagine a world where the public maintains 'Transparent Public Goods,' a fancy term for freely available resources that anyone can view the workings of, and they benefit everyone.
Public libraries, community halls, leisure centers, weather data and the air we breathe are all public resources that benefit the general public.
We can enhance the capability of these resources by increasing their transparency and governing them more actively as a community. When we understand what they cost, what benefits they bring and how we can utilize our public resources, we can learn how to take advantage of them better.
Take Finland as an example; in Helsinki, they've developed wonderful collaborative hubs for the community. They are public libraries, but these are not your usual 'Shhh... Be quiet' type of libraries.
Oodi in Helsinki — Central Public Library
They're vibrant spaces with resources promoting learning, social connection, and community activities. Talk about a public good that benefits everyone!
We can all gauge how valuable these places are if we increase transparency.
More insights into the Finnish Library System.
Turning the Tide from Common Tragedies to Common Amenities
Sadly, our world is not without its share of 'Tragedy of the Commons.'
It's a grim term to describe situations where public resources get depleted or misused, often due to a lack of accountability and ethical management.
Picture overfishing in a lake until there's not a single fish left. That's a common tragedy.
We, humans, are capable of extraordinary things, especially when we work together.
By rolling our sleeves and getting our hands dirty, we can transform these common tragedies into 'Common Amenities.'
Some Common Amenities we can build together:
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Converting abandoned/derelict property to sustainable and productive land for the public to use
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Opening community hubs managed by locals for the locals
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Specialized libraries staffed with people familiar with the subject matter
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Open incubators and think tanks for the public
Look at what happened in Seoul, South Korea, with the Cheonggyecheon stream.
A Lesson From History: The Cheonggyecheon Stream
South Korea recognized problems with their long term development and the harmony with their environment.
Older projects during the 60’s and 70’s covered up a historical stream running through Seoul. A restoration project began after evaluation of the current infrastructure on top of the stream.
Neglect and Underdevelopment
Overpass Construction
Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project
The Cheonggyecheon Stream Today
Once a polluted, forgotten waterway. Through hard work, it became a stunning urban park attracting millions yearly.
Uncovering the stream and replacing the concrete with a more natural state decreased the temperature of the city center and surrounding areas of the stream— by as much as 3 to 6 degrees. A substantial difference. (see Urban Heat Island Effect)
Read the Full Stream Restoration Report here.
The Power of Cooperative Principles
In a regenerative approach, the principles of cooperation are fundamental.
The cooperative model is an excellent way to manage resources, enhance social value, and promote sustainable practices in public spaces.
Some ways cooperative principles can foster regeneration:
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Voluntary and Open Membership: Public spaces should be open and accessible to everyone in the community. There should be no pressure to pay a fee to access public resources. A cooperative structure also ensures everyone has a say in decision-making processes.
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Democratic Member Control: Each member has one vote, providing equal representation. A democratic model allows the needs of the many to outweigh those of the few.
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Member Economic Participation: Members contribute to the economic health of the cooperative and share in its success. This structure ensures that the benefits are shared equitably among all members.
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Autonomy and Independence: Cooperatives are autonomous entities controlled by their members. This autonomy allows them to make decisions that best serve their community.
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Education, Training, and Information: Cooperatives invest in their members through education and training, which helps them contribute more effectively to the cooperative and their community.
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Collaborative Cooperatives: Cooperatives support other cooperatives, creating a network of mutual aid and shared resources.
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Concern for Community: Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities. This focus ensures the long-term health and well-being of the community and its public spaces.
Towards a Regenerative Society
A regenerative society prioritizes its communities' sustainable development and the health of their public spaces— it values cooperation, inclusivity, and long-term prosperity over short-term profits.
However, transitioning towards a regenerative society requires fundamental changes in how we think about and manage our public spaces.
Here are some steps we can take:
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Foster a culture of cooperation and mutual aid.
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Prioritize the health and well-being of the community in decision-making processes.
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Advocate for policy changes that support regenerative practices.
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Promote education and awareness about sustainable practices and regenerative principles.
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Support local businesses that value sustainability and ethical practices.
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Encourage innovation and the adoption of sustainable technologies.
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Develop community programs that promote environmental stewardship.
As we embark on this journey towards a regenerative society, we must remember that change takes time. But with patience, persistence, and a shared vision, we can create a sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative future.
Sustaining Spaces for the Public - A Labour of Love
So, we've got some great public spaces, but how do we ensure they stick around for our children and their children?
It all boils down to love and respect for these spaces. We can make a difference by adopting eco-friendly habits, participating in local initiatives, and advocating for responsible use of public goods.
We’ve talked about Korea, but did you know about the New York City's High Line?
An elevated urban park that was once a rusty, old railway, abandoned and forgotten.
Thanks to a community-driven initiative & some serious elbow grease, it has transformed into a vibrant, green space that New Yorkers and visitors love.
A Regen Recap and A Nudge in the Right Direction
The future of our public spaces, and indeed, our society, depends on our actions today. By embracing regenerative principles and practices, we can ensure that our public spaces continue to serve us well for ages.
Remember that we are not only custodians of these spaces for our time, but we are also stewards of these spaces for future generations.
Let's strive to leave a legacy of a regenerative society that future generations can inherit and be proud of.
So, dear friends, remember the importance of our public goods and resources as we navigate toward a regenerative future.
By being transparent in their usage, transforming tragedies into amenities, and sustaining these resources, we can ensure they continue to serve us and future generations.
Every effort counts - from picking up litter in the park to advocating for a community garden, no action is too small.
It's time for us to roll up our sleeves and put in the work.
For a recap, part 1 & part 2 are right there for you.
Let's continue to grow and learn together, fostering a society that values and protects its public goods.
We've got this! 🧑🔬 ♻️ 🌱