The role of participatory budgeting in creating fair urban green spaces: A case study of Wrocław, Poland

Abstract

Environmental justice is an approach concerning the fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. It emphasizes the need for all communities, especially those historically marginalized, to have fair access to resources mitigating the negative effects of environmental changes, such as urban green spaces. Urban green spaces are widely recognized for their significant environmental and health benefits and play a crucial role in sustainable city development. However, they were also found to often be inequitably distributed, with underprivileged communities having less access to them. Participatory budgeting (PB) is a form of democratic innovation that directly involves the citizens in the decision-making process for public resource allocation. Originally designed to reduce social inequities, PB has been identified for its potential to improve various aspects of justice. Particularly, it is hypothesized to improve procedural, distributive, and recognitional justice which are the pillars of environmental justice, showing a potential to contribute to reducing environmental inequalities, such as unfair access to green spaces. However, studies focusing on the impact of PB on environmental justice and urban green spaces remain limited and the actual relationship remains understudied. Therefore, this research studied the implications of participatory budgeting on environmental justice, with a focus on urban green spaces, by conducting a case study of Wrocław, Poland, which implemented a participatory budget in 2013. The data was gathered using a document analysis, interviews, and a survey. This triangulation of methods allowed for a comprehensive overview and insights into the topic. Key findings revealed that while PB in Wrocław has contributed to a fairer allocation of green spaces in Wrocław, it faces challenges in inclusivity and recognition of diverse needs due to limited citizen engagement and reduced consultation opportunities. Hence, this study highlighted the potential of participatory budgeting to enhance environmental justice but also identified areas for improvement. Specifically, it showed the need for meaningful citizen participation and proactive government measures to address community needs.