Output 6.2.1: Citizen participation in the RESILIO-project
Neighbourhoods are increasingly seen as having pivotal roles in achieving climate-proof urban futures. In this respect, it is considered important that policy makers listen to and work with the people that live in these areas, and combine climate adaptation measures with efforts to make these neighbourhoods more attractive, healthier and inclusive (Hajer et al., 2020). In line with this, the RESILIO partners considered engaging citizens in the development of blue green roofs as key to the success of the project. To achieve such engagement, a communication and participation strategy was developed and executed in each of the five RESILIO pilot areas to create awareness about climate adaptation in general and to make people familiar with the benefits provided by blue-green roofs more specifically. The belief is that this could not only lead to higher awareness about the need for climate change adaptation and hence higher acceptance of associated measures, but also increase the willingness to contribute to climate change adaptation by taking own adaptation measures.