Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Municipality, my green home
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Municipality, my green home is an example of an inclusive project for co-designing public spaces in a Roma community, which involved its youth structures and engaged expert knowledge. The resulting solutions reflect youth visions that inspire change for a sustainable and strong community. The results of the project address particular needs of vulnerable groups being at risk of exclusion and poverty.
North Macedonia
Local
Municipality Shuto Orizari, part of City of Skopje, North Macedonia
Mainly urban
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-05-19
Yes
IPA : Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
The project aligns with the values of the New European Bauhaus by integrating sustainability, inclusivity, and aesthetics into local environmental initiatives. It aims to raise awareness among young people about municipal environmental policies while fostering active participation in shaping a greener, more resilient urban space in Shuto Orizari. Suto Orizari is the only Roma municipality in Europe, located on the outskirts of Skopje, North Macedonia.
Target Groups: Youth in Shuto Orizari, school "Shaip Jusuf", the Local Youth Council, municipal authorities.
Specific Objectives:
1: Equip young people with knowledge and skills to influence environmental policies and advocate for sustainable urban development.
2: Map urban greenery and introduce the "citizen science" model, encouraging participatory research and community-driven solutions.
3: Engage youth in co-creating green solutions that enhance local well-being, sports, and recreation opportunities.
4: Advocate for sustainable interventions that improve urban spaces while reflecting the New European Bauhaus principles.
The project educates youth on environmental policies and urban sustainability while engaging them in mapping and enhancing green spaces. Through participatory design, it creates inclusive and biodiverse public areas, fostering community identity. Advocacy efforts and educational materials further promote sustainable urban development and collaboration with local stakeholders.
The project addresses the lack of environmental priorities in the Local Youth Strategy of Shuto Orizari by empowering young people to engage in urban greening and sustainable planning. Through citizen science, they actively collect and analyze data to support the creation of a Green Cadastre, ensuring equitable green space distribution. This initiative strengthens youth participation, aligns with community needs in sports and health, and fosters long-term advocacy for a more sustainable and inclusive urban environment.
Target Groups: Youth in Shuto Orizari, school "Shaip Jusuf", the Local Youth Council, municipal authorities.
Specific Objectives:
1: Equip young people with knowledge and skills to influence environmental policies and advocate for sustainable urban development.
2: Map urban greenery and introduce the "citizen science" model, encouraging participatory research and community-driven solutions.
3: Engage youth in co-creating green solutions that enhance local well-being, sports, and recreation opportunities.
4: Advocate for sustainable interventions that improve urban spaces while reflecting the New European Bauhaus principles.
The project educates youth on environmental policies and urban sustainability while engaging them in mapping and enhancing green spaces. Through participatory design, it creates inclusive and biodiverse public areas, fostering community identity. Advocacy efforts and educational materials further promote sustainable urban development and collaboration with local stakeholders.
The project addresses the lack of environmental priorities in the Local Youth Strategy of Shuto Orizari by empowering young people to engage in urban greening and sustainable planning. Through citizen science, they actively collect and analyze data to support the creation of a Green Cadastre, ensuring equitable green space distribution. This initiative strengthens youth participation, aligns with community needs in sports and health, and fosters long-term advocacy for a more sustainable and inclusive urban environment.
prevention youth from being at risk of exclusion or poverty
building competences of Roma community
developing models of green public space for all
inspirational education by experience
sustainable urban planning for social cohesion
The project aims to integrate sustainability into urban development by empowering young people to actively participate in environmental decision-making. It addresses challenges such as the lack of urban greenery, insufficient youth engagement in ecological initiatives, and the need for inclusive, community-driven solutions to environmental issues. The project has provided young people with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective advocacy on environmental issues. Through educational workshops, they have gained an understanding of urban sustainability, environmental policies, and the importance of green infrastructure. By enhancing their capacity for civic participation, the project ensures that young people become proactive contributors to sustainable urban planning. A critical component has been engaging young people in mapping the extent and type of urban greenery in the central areas of Shuto Orizari. This participatory approach not only enhances environmental awareness but also provides valuable data, which serves as a foundation for more equitable and strategic green space planning within the municipality. The project directly involves young people in the design of sustainable green interventions that address health, recreation, and social cohesion. By linking environmental improvements to the local youth’s needs for sports and recreation, the project fosters active participation in urban transformation, ensuring that proposed solutions reflect the community’s priorities. The project goes beyond education and planning by actively advocating for the implementation of green solutions. Young participants have developed actionable proposals aimed at improving the local environment, which have been presented to municipal authorities. This project serves as a model for integrating youth leadership, environmental sustainability, and participatory urbanism. By combining education, hands-on engagement, and policy advocacy, it ensures a holistic approach.
This project revitalizes public spaces by integrating cultural and aesthetic elements, fostering a sense of belonging. Young people actively shaped urban greenery through participatory design, ensuring spaces reflect community identity.
A key focus is the harmonization of urban nature and cultural expression. The project ensures that green spaces reflect local identity by incorporating artistic elements, community narratives, and traditional aesthetics. Through murals, signage, and landscaped features, it creates spaces that tell a story, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among residents.
Moreover, the project prioritizes universal accessibility and multifunctional design. Public areas are designed to serve diverse groups, ensuring they are welcoming and usable for all generations. The inclusion of seating, shaded areas, and recreational features enhances comfort and social interaction, transforming urban greenery into spaces of community engagement and well-being.
This approach exemplifies how aesthetic and cultural values can be embedded in sustainable urban planning, offering a model for other communities seeking to blend design, ecology, and social inclusion into public spaces that are both beautiful and meaningful.
The project enhances aesthetics and quality of experience by integrating urban greenery, participatory design, and cultural identity into public spaces in Shuto Orizari. By involving young people in co-creating green interventions, it transforms neglected urban areas into vibrant, inclusive, and functional spaces, improving both the visual appeal and livability of the municipality.
A key focus is the harmonization of urban nature and cultural expression. The project ensures that green spaces reflect local identity by incorporating artistic elements, community narratives, and traditional aesthetics. Through murals, signage, and landscaped features, it creates spaces that tell a story, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among residents.
Moreover, the project prioritizes universal accessibility and multifunctional design. Public areas are designed to serve diverse groups, ensuring they are welcoming and usable for all generations. The inclusion of seating, shaded areas, and recreational features enhances comfort and social interaction, transforming urban greenery into spaces of community engagement and well-being.
This approach exemplifies how aesthetic and cultural values can be embedded in sustainable urban planning, offering a model for other communities seeking to blend design, ecology, and social inclusion into public spaces that are both beautiful and meaningful.
The project enhances aesthetics and quality of experience by integrating urban greenery, participatory design, and cultural identity into public spaces in Shuto Orizari. By involving young people in co-creating green interventions, it transforms neglected urban areas into vibrant, inclusive, and functional spaces, improving both the visual appeal and livability of the municipality.
The project ensures inclusion by actively engaging marginalized youth in shaping a greener and more livable urban environment. It fosters accessibility, affordability, and participatory governance by integrating the voices of young people, particularly those from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, into local decision-making processes. Through training and hands-on activities, the project equips them with knowledge and tools to influence policies related to urban greenery and environmental sustainability.
By implementing the citizen science model, youth take an active role in mapping and assessing green spaces in their municipality, making environmental data accessible and relevant to their community. This inclusive approach empowers young people as contributors to local development rather than passive observers, bridging the gap between civic participation and environmental activism.
Furthermore, the project promotes design-for-all principles by co-developing green solutions that meet the diverse needs of different community groups, ensuring accessibility for all, including children, elderly residents, and persons with disabilities. These solutions are based on direct input from the community and align with their needs for recreation, health, and social cohesion.
In terms of governance, the project strengthens youth representation in decision-making by providing structured advocacy opportunities. By engaging local institutions and policymakers, young participants have a platform to voice their concerns and propose green infrastructure improvements, reinforcing inclusive governance models.
This initiative serves as an exemplary model by demonstrating how environmental projects can simultaneously address social inclusion, youth empowerment, and participatory democracy, fostering a more resilient and engaged society.
By implementing the citizen science model, youth take an active role in mapping and assessing green spaces in their municipality, making environmental data accessible and relevant to their community. This inclusive approach empowers young people as contributors to local development rather than passive observers, bridging the gap between civic participation and environmental activism.
Furthermore, the project promotes design-for-all principles by co-developing green solutions that meet the diverse needs of different community groups, ensuring accessibility for all, including children, elderly residents, and persons with disabilities. These solutions are based on direct input from the community and align with their needs for recreation, health, and social cohesion.
In terms of governance, the project strengthens youth representation in decision-making by providing structured advocacy opportunities. By engaging local institutions and policymakers, young participants have a platform to voice their concerns and propose green infrastructure improvements, reinforcing inclusive governance models.
This initiative serves as an exemplary model by demonstrating how environmental projects can simultaneously address social inclusion, youth empowerment, and participatory democracy, fostering a more resilient and engaged society.
The project actively engages citizens, particularly young people, in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive urban environment in Shuto Orizari. Through participatory approaches, directly developing models for living environment, youth are empowered to take an active role in environmental decision-making and urban planning, ensuring that their perspectives and needs are reflected in local policies and interventions.
Young people are at the core of the project, contributing through educational workshops, citizen science activities, and the co-design of green public spaces. Their involvement includes mapping urban greenery, identifying priority areas for environmental improvement, and proposing sustainable solutions that align with the community’s needs. By integrating the citizen science model, the project fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among youth, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to influence local policies and advocate for greener urban spaces.
The wider community also benefits from the project, as increased greenery and improved urban spaces enhance public health, social cohesion, and overall quality of life. Civil society organizations play a crucial role by providing expertise, facilitating connections between youth and local authorities, and supporting advocacy efforts. Their involvement strengthens the project’s impact, ensuring that proposed solutions are realistic, community-driven, and aligned with broader sustainable development goals.
The impact of this involvement is evident in heightened youth engagement, stronger collaboration between civil society and local governance, and increased awareness of the importance of urban greenery. Through active participation, the project not only empowers young people but also fosters a culture of civic engagement, demonstrating how inclusive decision-making can drive meaningful and lasting change in local communities.s.
Young people are at the core of the project, contributing through educational workshops, citizen science activities, and the co-design of green public spaces. Their involvement includes mapping urban greenery, identifying priority areas for environmental improvement, and proposing sustainable solutions that align with the community’s needs. By integrating the citizen science model, the project fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among youth, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to influence local policies and advocate for greener urban spaces.
The wider community also benefits from the project, as increased greenery and improved urban spaces enhance public health, social cohesion, and overall quality of life. Civil society organizations play a crucial role by providing expertise, facilitating connections between youth and local authorities, and supporting advocacy efforts. Their involvement strengthens the project’s impact, ensuring that proposed solutions are realistic, community-driven, and aligned with broader sustainable development goals.
The impact of this involvement is evident in heightened youth engagement, stronger collaboration between civil society and local governance, and increased awareness of the importance of urban greenery. Through active participation, the project not only empowers young people but also fosters a culture of civic engagement, demonstrating how inclusive decision-making can drive meaningful and lasting change in local communities.s.
The project successfully engaged multiple stakeholders across local, regional, national, and European levels, creating a collaborative framework that enhanced its impact. At the local level, young people, residents, and community organizations played a central role in designing and implementing green interventions. The Local Youth Council and organizations provided essential insights into the community’s needs, ensuring the project’s relevance and sustainability. Local authorities, including municipal representatives, supported the initiative by integrating youth-led green solutions into local development plans. At the regional level, environmental organizations and urban planning experts contributed technical expertise, guiding the project’s mapping and green infrastructure strategies. Their involvement ensured that proposed interventions aligned with broader sustainability objectives within the region. At the national level, partnerships with advocacy groups and governmental bodies strengthened the project’s reach, amplifying its impact beyond the municipality. These stakeholders facilitated knowledge-sharing on environmental policies, linking local efforts to national sustainability agendas. At the European level, the project drew inspiration from the New European Bauhaus framework and engaged with networks promoting sustainable urban development. This connection enabled the exchange of best practices and innovative solutions, positioning the project as a replicable model for community-led green transformation.The added value of this multi-level engagement was the creation of a holistic, scalable approach to urban sustainability. It empowered young people to take active roles in environmental advocacy while ensuring institutional support for long-term impact. By fostering cooperation among diverse stakeholders, the project successfully bridged аctivism with policy-level change, demonstrating a replicable model for inclusive, community-driven urban transformation.
The project team is a combination of experts in topics related to the project objectives and activities and representatives of the local community who live or work in the territory of the municipality of Shuto Orizari. The advantage of the project team is that it has previously implemented activities in the territory of Shuto Orizari and is well aware of the situation on the ground, from many aspects.
The project team was interdisciplinary, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the workshops with students. A team member specialized in activism and youth participation in local policies, guiding students on how to influence decision-making. An environmental expert provided knowledge on ecological aspects and led the mapping of urban greenery in the municipality. Additionally, an architect and urban sociologist, supported by a team of three architects, conducted workshops that encouraged students to design sustainable and inclusive green spaces.
By deepening students’ understanding of the importance of public space for social inclusion and cohesion, they were inspired to create their own urban solutions. Their designs emerged from an analysis of daily life, habits, and needs of both young people and other residents in their community. The students’ ideas were rooted in their lived urban experience, incorporating local traditions and the unique identity of their neighborhood.
Through the accumulated knowledge, students were able to identify and highlight existing positive values of their local environment and enhance them using their newly acquired insights. This participatory process empowered them to reimagine their surroundings, integrating cultural authenticity with sustainable urban development.
The project team was interdisciplinary, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the workshops with students. A team member specialized in activism and youth participation in local policies, guiding students on how to influence decision-making. An environmental expert provided knowledge on ecological aspects and led the mapping of urban greenery in the municipality. Additionally, an architect and urban sociologist, supported by a team of three architects, conducted workshops that encouraged students to design sustainable and inclusive green spaces.
By deepening students’ understanding of the importance of public space for social inclusion and cohesion, they were inspired to create their own urban solutions. Their designs emerged from an analysis of daily life, habits, and needs of both young people and other residents in their community. The students’ ideas were rooted in their lived urban experience, incorporating local traditions and the unique identity of their neighborhood.
Through the accumulated knowledge, students were able to identify and highlight existing positive values of their local environment and enhance them using their newly acquired insights. This participatory process empowered them to reimagine their surroundings, integrating cultural authenticity with sustainable urban development.
The project stands out for its citizen science approach and youth-led urban greening, shifting from traditional top-down planning to youth-driven environmental action. Instead of passive involvement, young people actively collect, analyze, and use data to influence urban greenery, making environmental monitoring more democratic and community-driven.
Unlike mainstream greening initiatives, this project integrates sustainability with youth participation, health, and social cohesion. It connects urban greenery with recreation, mental well-being, and social inclusion, ensuring that green spaces serve multiple community needs.
A key innovation is its localized advocacy model, where youth not only design green solutions but also engage with policymakers to influence urban planning. This equips them with skills in policy influence and participatory governance, creating a model for youth-driven sustainability in marginalized communities.
Additionally, the project uses digital tools and participatory mapping to document urban greenery, ensuring that decisions are based on community-generated data. This increases transparency and effectiveness in local environmental policy-making.
By combining technology, civic engagement, and sustainability, the project pioneers a replicable model for urban transformation, demonstrating how grassroots action can drive systemic change in urban sustainability.
Unlike mainstream greening initiatives, this project integrates sustainability with youth participation, health, and social cohesion. It connects urban greenery with recreation, mental well-being, and social inclusion, ensuring that green spaces serve multiple community needs.
A key innovation is its localized advocacy model, where youth not only design green solutions but also engage with policymakers to influence urban planning. This equips them with skills in policy influence and participatory governance, creating a model for youth-driven sustainability in marginalized communities.
Additionally, the project uses digital tools and participatory mapping to document urban greenery, ensuring that decisions are based on community-generated data. This increases transparency and effectiveness in local environmental policy-making.
By combining technology, civic engagement, and sustainability, the project pioneers a replicable model for urban transformation, demonstrating how grassroots action can drive systemic change in urban sustainability.
Educational workshops (fundamentals of the environment, ecology, climate change, urban development and quality of life) on the environment and raising the knowledge of young people about the recreational, hygienic and aesthetic function of greenery and its role in improving the environment, the impact of greenery and vice versa. Both workshops worked on increasing the motivation of young people to get involved, influence and advocate for policies related to greenery and environmental protection.
Introductory educational workshop were held stressing the importance of greenery in the municipality and the environment with a special aspect of quality urban living, and the connection of quality of life and democracy with the quality of an ecological and green urban environment.
Mapping of existing greenery in the municipality through teamwork in the field. During the mapping, the youth will continue to be empowered about what a green cadaster is and what the need is for it and why its role is important in properly planning activities related to improving the environment and quality of life, ways of preparing and managing the green cadaster and the local registry of greenery.
Open days to inform the public about the mapping process, previous and future activities in the project, in order to animate a larger part of the community, to interest them in the topic and to increase the visibility and importance of topics related to the greening of the municipality. The ways and places of organizing these days were determined together with the young people involved.
Identification of possible locations for increasing urban greenery and developing sports and recreational content according to the Local Youth Strategy.
Workshops for developing potential solutions in public space and improving greenery by young people, with the help of educators. The workshop used digital and innovative engagement approaches to attract their attention.
Introductory educational workshop were held stressing the importance of greenery in the municipality and the environment with a special aspect of quality urban living, and the connection of quality of life and democracy with the quality of an ecological and green urban environment.
Mapping of existing greenery in the municipality through teamwork in the field. During the mapping, the youth will continue to be empowered about what a green cadaster is and what the need is for it and why its role is important in properly planning activities related to improving the environment and quality of life, ways of preparing and managing the green cadaster and the local registry of greenery.
Open days to inform the public about the mapping process, previous and future activities in the project, in order to animate a larger part of the community, to interest them in the topic and to increase the visibility and importance of topics related to the greening of the municipality. The ways and places of organizing these days were determined together with the young people involved.
Identification of possible locations for increasing urban greenery and developing sports and recreational content according to the Local Youth Strategy.
Workshops for developing potential solutions in public space and improving greenery by young people, with the help of educators. The workshop used digital and innovative engagement approaches to attract their attention.
The project incorporates adaptable methodologies and processes that can be replicated in other municipalities, particularly those facing environmental challenges and limited youth engagement in decision-making. The citizen science model, which empowers young people to map and analyze urban greenery, is a flexible and scalable approach that can be applied in various local contexts. This model allows non-experts to collect and interpret environmental data, making it a powerful tool for engaging youth and communities in evidence-based advocacy and urban planning. The methodology of co-designing green solutions with community participation is another transferable aspect. By involving different stakeholders—youth, local authorities, urban planners, and environmental experts—the project ensures that public spaces are shaped to reflect the diverse needs of the population. This participatory design process can be adapted to different urban and rural settings, helping other communities create more inclusive and sustainable public spaces. The advocacy framework developed in this project, which strengthens youth involvement in environmental policy discussions, can be replicated by organizations and local governments aiming to increase civic participation. Training programs that enhance young people's skills in environmental policy, urban sustainability, and public engagement can also be scaled to other regions. Furthermore, the project’s educational materials and digital tools can be adapted for different languages and cultural contexts, making them accessible to a wider range of beneficiaries. The learnings from this initiative—on engaging underrepresented groups, mobilizing local resources, and fostering cross-sector collaboration—offer valuable insights for municipalities, NGOs, and educational institutions looking to enhance environmental governance and youth participation.
The project addresses global environmental and social challenges by implementing localized, community-driven solutions in urban sustainability. It tackles issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, urban pollution, and social exclusion, aligning with global sustainability goals while responding to the specific needs of Shuto Orizari.
One key challenge is the lack of urban greenery in marginalized areas, which exacerbates heat island effects, poor air quality, and health disparities. By mapping and expanding green spaces, the project enhances climate resilience, biodiversity, and air purification, contributing to both local well-being and global environmental efforts.
Another issue is the exclusion of marginalized communities from decision-making in urban planning. The project applies citizen science to empower young people, giving them skills and tools to influence local policies. This addresses the broader challenge of youth disengagement in governance while fostering inclusive and participatory urban development. Project influence in preventing vulnerability and social exclusion of young Roma at risk of poverty.
Furthermore, it connects urban greening with health and recreation, promoting physical activity, mental well-being, and social cohesion. This holistic approach aligns with global public health and sustainable city initiatives, demonstrating that small-scale, community-led interventions can contribute to larger systemic changes.
By combining data-driven advocacy, participatory governance, and environmental action, the project serves as a scalable model for other urban areas facing similar social and ecological challenges.
One key challenge is the lack of urban greenery in marginalized areas, which exacerbates heat island effects, poor air quality, and health disparities. By mapping and expanding green spaces, the project enhances climate resilience, biodiversity, and air purification, contributing to both local well-being and global environmental efforts.
Another issue is the exclusion of marginalized communities from decision-making in urban planning. The project applies citizen science to empower young people, giving them skills and tools to influence local policies. This addresses the broader challenge of youth disengagement in governance while fostering inclusive and participatory urban development. Project influence in preventing vulnerability and social exclusion of young Roma at risk of poverty.
Furthermore, it connects urban greening with health and recreation, promoting physical activity, mental well-being, and social cohesion. This holistic approach aligns with global public health and sustainable city initiatives, demonstrating that small-scale, community-led interventions can contribute to larger systemic changes.
By combining data-driven advocacy, participatory governance, and environmental action, the project serves as a scalable model for other urban areas facing similar social and ecological challenges.
Our project is in the segment "Prioritising the places and people that need it the most" because it takes place and improves the poorest part of the city of Skopje, both in terms of income and greenery. The choice was made because of the characteristics of the community that need particular and urgent attention because of specific economic, social and physical characteristics. This is a part of the city where the most people live in absolute poverty and where the greatest social inequalities exist.
Through the project activities, new visions were offered on how three neglected locations could be transformed so that they could grow into inspirational examples of beautiful, sustainable and inclusive spaces.
The solutions developed also address particular needs of the most vulnerable young people in the community - those being at risk of exclusion or poverty.
The visions of the young people do not stop only at identifying and finding solutions for the needs of their age group but go further, including parts of the "design for all" principle. Thus, the models offer a transformative thread in the community, taking into account the diversity of the population and its needs, address accessibility issues for people with disabilities, as well as address aging factors.
Students feel ownership of the proposed models and proudly present them on the wall of their school and during their presentations. Creation of informative and educational materials, as well as digital content, to engage more young people and raise awareness about green transition initiatives in the municipality.
Submission of intervention proposals to the mayor and municipal council, enabling young people to directly advocate for improving the quality of life in their community.
Through the project activities, new visions were offered on how three neglected locations could be transformed so that they could grow into inspirational examples of beautiful, sustainable and inclusive spaces.
The solutions developed also address particular needs of the most vulnerable young people in the community - those being at risk of exclusion or poverty.
The visions of the young people do not stop only at identifying and finding solutions for the needs of their age group but go further, including parts of the "design for all" principle. Thus, the models offer a transformative thread in the community, taking into account the diversity of the population and its needs, address accessibility issues for people with disabilities, as well as address aging factors.
Students feel ownership of the proposed models and proudly present them on the wall of their school and during their presentations. Creation of informative and educational materials, as well as digital content, to engage more young people and raise awareness about green transition initiatives in the municipality.
Submission of intervention proposals to the mayor and municipal council, enabling young people to directly advocate for improving the quality of life in their community.
