Representatives of the informal citizens' group “Za Plan” (For the Plan) from Banja Luka presented today, June 5, a project aimed at improving transparency and increasing the participation of citizens and the professional community in the planning and development of public and green spaces in Banja Luka.

In recent years, questions have increasingly been raised about the way decisions are made regarding the development of parks, playgrounds, tree-lined avenues, squares, the banks of the Vrbas River, and other public spaces, while citizens are often involved only after projects have already been defined or construction works have begun.

“Public space is a matter of quality of life, public interest, and the relationship between institutions and citizens. Citizens are demanding the right to participate in decision-making processes that directly affect the spaces in which they live,” said Sanda Vukojević.

She emphasized that decisions concerning public spaces are often long-term and difficult to reverse, making it essential that they are made transparently and with due consideration of the opinions of citizens and professionals.

Tijana Grujić stated that the project's goal is to improve procedures that will ensure development is planned, transparent, and based on the public interest.

“Citizens know the needs of their neighborhoods best, while professionals possess the expertise necessary to develop high-quality solutions. Therefore, we believe that the best results can only be achieved through dialogue among citizens, experts, and institutions,” Grujić said.

As part of the project, public forums, workshops, and consultations will be organized with citizens, civil society organizations, and experts. The project also envisages the development of proposals for improving existing procedures related to the planning and development of public spaces.

Special attention will be devoted to advocating for greater transparency, timely public information, and meaningful citizen participation in decision-making processes concerning shared urban spaces.

Representatives of the “Za Plan” citizens' group noted that the first step has already been taken through a focus group held in May, during which representatives of academia, civil society organizations, and citizens discussed possible models for improving public participation in planning processes.

“When public spaces are being developed, decisions are not made solely about the appearance of a city. Decisions are made about how people will live, move, socialize, and use shared facilities. That is why we believe public space must be the result of dialogue, not decisions made without community participation,” the representatives of the “Za Plan” citizens' group concluded.