IAUS is a research and development institute in the fields of urbanism, architecture, spatial planning, environmental protection, civil engineering, and transport. Since 1954, it has been engaged in research and academic publishing activities. Since the 1980s, IAUS has also been the leading institution in Serbia for consulting services in mining regions, resulting in several mining-oriented scientific projects. It is the only public institution that integrates research and practice in urban and spatial planning with environmental protection. This unique position enables IAUS to directly transfer theoretical results into the public participation process.
SHORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The intensive development in mining regions leads to substantial and predominantly negative changes in the local community and its environment (mono-functional economy; environmental degradation; relocation).
Resistance from the community and experts towards mining activities in Serbia has intensified since the 2000s, increasing the significance of public participation in the planning of mining areas.
MINIPART is designed as a research project that combines qualitative and quantitative research methods to create the most suitable methods for public participation in mining regions, including vulnerable groups. These defined methods will facilitate and motivate the participation of all stakeholders in planning, reduce conflicts, and enable the balancing of the needs of citizens, industry, and government, not only in mining regions but elsewhere as well.
Project duration: 2024-01-03 - 2027-01-02.
GOALS
The main objective of MINIPART is to identify the most appropriate participation methods, tailored to all stakeholders in mining areas. These methods will provide the most efficient means for stakeholders to influence decision-making, thereby enhancing their quality of work and life (social, environmental, economic) and ensuring sustainable development.
The specific objectives:
(1) To compile a comprehensive repository of available examples of participatory planning in mining areas.
(2) To engage all stakeholders (citizens, mining industry, government, NGOs, environmentalists) actively in the identification of the best participatory methods through interviews, surveys, and focus groups.
(3) To address the specific needs of vulnerable groups (women, ethnic minorities, rural populations, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and youth) in the process of identifying the most suitable participatory methods.
(4) To develop new or adapted approaches for meaningful and inclusive community participation in mining planning and development.
(5) To widely disseminate the results to all project participants, the national and local governmental sectors, the NGO sector, citizens in Serbia and abroad, academia, professionals, and the general public.
PARTNERS
INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN & SPATIAL PLANNING OF SERBIA (IAUS)>
FACULTY OF GEOGRAPHY – UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE (UBGEF) >
The main activities of UBGEF are higher education and scientific research. The faculty comprises five departments: Geography, Spatial Planning, Tourism, Demography, and Geospatial and Environmental Studies. Scientific work is conducted through both fundamental and applied research, as well as the development of projects and spatial plans for various purposes. This includes areas such as mining regions and nature protection within these regions. Additionally, the faculty conducts numerous studies, some of which are focused on mining areas, and produces detailed reports.
TECHNICAL FACULTY IN BOR – UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE (TF BOR)>
TF Bor was established in 1961 as part of the University of Belgrade. The educational process at TF Bor is implemented through the following study programs: Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Technological Engineering, and Engineering Management. The institution is actively engaged in scientific and research activities in the fields of technical, management, and technological sciences. Additionally, it provides consultancy services in various areas related to mining and environmental protection.
INSTITUTE FOR PHILOSOPHY AND SOCIAL THEORY – UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE (IFDT)>
IFDT is committed to the consistent application and improvement of good practices in theoretical and empirical research, thus stimulating the elevation of academic standards and the productive cooperation with relevant actors both in academia and beyond. With this, IFDT seeks to emphasize the importance of the public role of the social sciences and the humanities. It develops the multidisciplinary approach that questions the effectiveness of engagement, emancipation, solidarity, and resistance in diverse contexts.
FINANCING
The project is developed within the PRISMA program and supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, grant #7598.
