The role of communities in environmental sustainability projects :the need for local action

This study explores how community participation contributes to the success of a local environmental sustainability project. In order to avoid approaching sustainability and community participation using the “silo approach,” I established an integrated framework of community participation and sustainability based on a review of relevant literature. I established assessment criteria and analysed the Green Living DC case study against these criteria in order to answer my primary and secondary research questions. As a case study, Green Living DC uses community participation to complete environmental sustainability projects. Primarily, I used the case study methods research to address theories in practice. I collected secondary quantitative data about the community demographics and local environmental quality. I collected qualitative data about local environmental sustainability projects though semi-structured individual interviews with members of Green Living DC. I put forth recommendations based on a synthesis of the research findings with the theoretical framework of sustainability and community participation. My research findings indicate that community participation should be a requirement of environmental sustainability projects. Although no two projects are exactly the same, optimum participation should be decided on within each project framework. Communities should define their own idea of “success,” suitable for their specific context. I also put forth recommendations for NGOs implementing environmental sustainability projects. Ultimately, NGOs can benefit and serve to bridge the gap between local government and citizens in implementing environmental sustainability projects.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Knowles, Lynsey

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Winkler, Tanya

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13128

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/13128