Corruption SONAR (Spatial Planning and Natural Resources) -- Detecting and Fighting Corruption through Public Participation

Abstract:

Project SONAR intended to enhance the impact of CSOs in the fight against corruption in the governance of space and other natural resources in Croatia. More specifically, the project aimed to increase the policy capacities and networks of local NGOs for the purpose of monitoring situations and developing advocacy initiatives that both enhance public participation and fight corruption in spatial planning and concessions. Being one of the seven partners in the project, we organized a public discussion on the Draft Law on Maritime Demesne and Seaports and launched a campaign to present the results of the public opinion survey on the future of Muzil Peninsula in Pula. The survey confirmed that citizens of Pula oppose the privatisation, touristification and resortification of Muzil, as is set forth in the City of Pula General Urban Plan. After a series of workshops lead by Zagreb’s Faculty of Political Science,  a policy analysis was conducted and shadow report published: "Our water - Analysis of Water Service Management in Croatia".

Description:

The objective of this project was to enhance the impact of CSOs in the fight against corruption in the governance of space and other natural resources in Croatia. More specifically, the project aimed to increase the policy capacities and networks of local NGOs for the purpose of monitoring situations and developing advocacy initiatives that both enhance public participation and fight corruption in spatial planning and concessions.

The project was implemented in 2013 and 2014 by Zelena Akcija [Green action] / FoE [Friends of the Earth] Croatia. Green Istria was one of the seven partners in the project consortium that carried out activities in the City of Zagreb and seven counties on the Adriatic coast. Within the scope of the project, Green Istria organized a public discussion on the Draft Law on Maritime Demesne and Seaports and launched a billboard campaign to present the results of the public opinion survey on the Muzil Peninsula. The survey confirmed that citizens of Pula oppose the touristification and resortification of Muzil, as is set forth in the Pula General Urban Plan. The plan also forms the basis for this 160 ha area to be given away to private hands in a 99-year concession.

After a series of workshops lead by Zagreb’s Faculty of Political Science,  all project partners conducted a policy analysis, and created a shadow report: "Our water - Analysis of Water Service Management in Croatia" ("Naša voda - Analiza upravljanja vodnim uslugama u Hrvatskoj").

The project was funded by the EU and co-funded by the Government of the Republic of Croatia Office for Cooperation with NGOs and the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Zagreb.