Speaker
Description
Climate change, biodiversity loss, and deepening socio-economic inequalities are global crises that increasingly compel urban governments to adopt transformative planning actions. Istanbul, significantly impacted by these challenges, also possesses unique potential for generating sustainable solutions. The city is distinguished by its rich historical context, multi-layered natural and cultural heritage, strategic economic role in Turkey, and dynamic metropolitan characteristics. However, the economic, ecological, and social costs associated with centralised decision-making, predominantly imposed by the central government, pose serious risks. Large-scale infrastructure projects and top-down spatial interventions not aligned with urban plans threaten Istanbul's urban landscape, presenting a significant challenge for local government and communities.
Istanbul is also the focus of demands for urban democracy and participation. The need for spatial decisions that are developed with participatory governance and provide equal opportunities to residents is directly related to the democratic functioning of the public sphere and the protection of freedom of expression (Istanbul Planning Agency - Vision 2050 Office, 2020).
Developing a shared urban vision between local municipalities and residents to establish a roadmap has become essential for urban governance. To steer Istanbul towards a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future, the Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA) was established in 2020, resulting in the development of the Istanbul Vision 2050 Strategic Document (2022) and the Vision 2050 Action Plan (2024), which delineate the city's key strategic actions.
The Istanbul Vision 2050 Strategic Document and Vision 2050 Action Plan emphasise the need for a new planning paradigm in response to ongoing local and global transformations. Accordingly, rather than static policy documents or action plans, they are conceived as dynamic, continuously negotiated, and adaptable governance frameworks. The governance and democracy components shape the targets defined in the Vision, providing a foundation for decision-making processes. While the metropolitan municipality is responsible for steering Istanbul towards these objectives, implementing the proposed actions relies on collaboration with other public institutions, civil society organisations, and experts.
Civic engagement is central to developing and implementing these plans and to the broader future vision set by the Istanbul Vision 2050 Strategic Document and Action Plan. Accordingly, the Vision 2050 Action Plan defines numerous objectives and actions focused on participatory governance. Democratising urban life in Istanbul involves stimulating active citizenship and enabling residents to participate in urban policymaking. The plan proposes mechanisms and platforms for collaboration between civil society and local authorities in areas such as environmental sustainability, spatial planning, and cultural heritage. This approach prioritises decision-making processes that include residents, ensuring community involvement in shaping policies that directly affect urban life. Moreover, involving civil society and Istanbul residents in decision-making and implementation processes concerning urban services will contribute to making these services more inclusive, spatially just, and accessible, thereby reinforcing the city’s resilience goals.
Improving the governance of urban commons based on the right to the city will strengthen solidarity among community networks and enhance residents’ sense of belonging. This, in turn, will contribute to achieving the spatial objectives outlined in the Vision. Furthermore, civil society and individuals will actively engage in decision-making through participatory spatial planning and mechanisms defined within the Action Plan. Community participation will be strengthened through a resilience-focused governance model, starting at the neighbourhood level.
The established action areas, policies, and projects have emerged from a participatory approach, engaging pertinent institutions and societal stakeholders in the development process. Thus, the Action Plan is envisioned as a dynamic and continuously evolving roadmap. The next step involves creating a comprehensive spatial framework for Istanbul, aligning the new Istanbul Environmental Master Plan with key transformative projects outlined in the Vision 2050 Action Plan and their spatial implications.
References
Istanbul Planning Agency - Vision 2050 Office (2022) Istanbul Vision 2050 Strategy Document. Istanbul. Available at: https://vizyon2050.istanbul/.
Istanbul Planning Agency - Vision 2050 Office (2024) Istanbul Vision 2050 Action Plan. Istanbul. Available at: https://vizyon2050.istanbul/.
Istanbul Planning Agency - Vision 2050 Office (2020) Istanbul Vision 2050 Participation Progress Report. Istanbul. Available at: https://vizyon2050.istanbul/.
| Keywords | strategic planning, participatory planning, urban democracy, vision |
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