Local Stakeholder Meeting #2 - Region of Attica
JUSTGREEN’s Second Stakeholder Meeting in Athens: Advancing Climate Justice in Mediterranean Cities
On February 27, 2025, Athens hosted its second JUSTGREEN stakeholder meeting, bringing together experts, policymakers, and community members to explore climate justice in Mediterranean cities. Instead of traditional presentations, this session took a more interactive approach, centering discussions on a key question: What does greening mean from a justice perspective?
A Collaborative and Inclusive Approach
Unlike the first stakeholder meeting, which focused on project introductions, this session evolved into a hands-on working meeting within the Participatory Lab – Laboratory for Spatial, Urban, and Environmental Participatory Planning for Climate Change Adaptation. Active since 2020, this interdisciplinary network has been a driving force in fostering public participation in spatial and environmental decision-making.
The meeting’s structure encouraged co-working sessions and informal discussions, allowing for deeper engagement and practical collaboration. The Athens JUSTGREEN team presented the project’s goals while working with participants to identify ways to amplify impact and integrate climate justice into urban planning.
Who Was Around the Table?
The Participatory Lab has grown into a dynamic network, with a core team of 20 active professionals and researchers, over 800 members, and more than 35 organizations. Among them is the Region of Attica, a key player in regional development and climate adaptation strategies. The Lab has organized international conferences, published research, and led initiatives that champion participatory urban and environmental planning.
This meeting also welcomed new participants, bringing fresh perspectives on gender issues, environmental inequalities, mobility poverty, resilient urban design, social economy, and inclusive green school communities. Their insights broadened the conversation and opened doors for future collaborations.
Hot Topics of Discussion
- Sustainable Urban Development Strategy of the New Metropolitan Attica – Participants discussed the consultation process on managing major parks in the region, emphasizing the need for inclusive decision-making.
- Regional Operational Program Attica – Conversations explored how cities interact with the program’s objectives and how participation, inclusion, urban nature, and climate justice can be better integrated into urban policies.
Next Steps: Keeping the Momentum Going
The meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and community-driven climate resilience. Looking ahead, the RDFA JUSTGREEN team aims to:
- Strengthen discussions with key stakeholders, including the Region of Attica, the Regional Operational Program Attica, and the New Metropolitan Attica.
- Integrate JUSTGREEN’s objectives into the 3rd International Conference on Participatory Planning and Design, ensuring alignment with climate justice principles.
By fostering these partnerships, JUSTGREEN continues its mission to advance equitable, inclusive, and sustainable urban greening strategies. Stay tuned for more updates on our next steps and upcoming initiatives!