BULLETINBULLETIN Funded by Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme (Muspp)

Making Better Cities Together January 2011

BULLETINBULLETIN funded by Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme (MuSPP)

MuSPP SHARES EXPERIENCE ON PARTICIPATORY PLANNING THROUGH LECTURE AND CONFERENCE “Envisioning as a Participatory Planning Tool” was the lead topic of experience on participatory planning by giving concrete examples the conference organized by UN-HABITAT’s Municipal Spatial Plan- from three towns in Turkey. Successful experiences from MuSPP ning Support Programme (MuSPP) and Ministry of Environment municipalities of Junik, Hani i Elezit/General Jankovic and Mitro- and Spatial Planning (MESP), supported by other partners involved vica were presented by municipal officers, Ms. FerdoneTofaj, Mr. in envisioning processes in MuSPP Municipalities: Friedrich Ebert Durim Dernjani and Ms. Shyhrete Peci, respectively. Stiftung (FES) and Cultural Heritage without Borders (CHwB). Over Presentations were also made by Ms. Suzana Goranci, Head of the the last four years envisioning workshops, organized as inclusive Municipal Planning Section in the Department of Spatial Planning planning activities with active participation of local government of the MESP, Mr. Ilir Gjinolli, professor at the Faculty of Architec- officials and civil society organizations, took place in nine munici- ture of Prishtina University and Mr. Luan Shllaku, Director of KFOS, palities. and Ms. Elvida Pallaska of the Institute of Spatial Planning. This conference brought together 150 planning professionals from The participants of the conference contributed by raising numer- all over Kosovo to discuss and share their experiences on partici- ous valuable questions, issues and debate through experience patory and strategic planning in Kosovo and abroad. The partici- sharing and professional reflections. Planners cited that the par- pants had the opportunity to benefit from presentations by three ticipation of the decision makers in the planning process was em- planning experts from Sweden, Turkey and Albania. Comprized phasized as an important issue, because in many cases the deci- of four sessions, the conference offered a very good opportunity sions taken by the politicians do not comply with the visions of for experience sharing amongst planning professionals in Kosovo. the citizens, civil society and other stakeholders. It was evident Proceedings started with the opening remarks of the Minister of through this generated dialogue that in Kosovo understanding of Environment and Spatial Planning, Mr. Mahir Yagcilar, in which and participation in the planning process is still relatively weak, he pointed out that “now the results of the capacities built in this however is seen as a factor relating to the transition of the the local and central level with the support and expertise of UN- planning system in Kosovo. On a positive note the success within HABITAT have started to be visible, where we have the Junik MDP Kosovo municipalities that has been seen so far through the par- drafted with internal municipal capacities and Hani i Elezit/General ticipatory approach suggests improvement will continue and the Jankovic/General Jankovic and Mamusha are following the same added value this approach affords will increase in the future. method”. In her opening remarks, the Head of UN-HABITAT Koso- Prior to the conference, on the night of 8th of November, MuSPP vo office, Mrs. Krystyna Galezia, stressed the role of UN-HABITAT and other partners organized a public lecture “Sustainable Urban and its cooperation with municipalities for promotion of the par- and Rural Development” in the National Library of Kosovo. The ticipatory planning approach and strategic planning methods. lecture was opened by the Minister of Environment and Spatial The first presentation of the conference was made by the MuSPP Planning, Mr. Yagcilar and the Minister on Agriculture and Rural officials respectively Ms. Arijeta Himaduna and Mr. Ishaku Mai- Development, Mr. Blerand Stavileci. The seats of the amphithe- tumbi who described the whole process of the envisioning as well atre on the library were filled with students and planners as well as the background of the project which led to the organising the as other representatives of the Kosovo municipalities working on conference. planning issues. The lecture was led by international planning ex- The conference won from the presence of: Mr. Steve Johnson, perts, and was followed by an active discussion by the participants Head of the Department for Sustainable Community Planning and and questions to lecturers who presented sustainability from three Development in the Municipality of Borlange in Sweden; Mr. Fl- different angles and experiences based on their expertise and amur Kuçi, advisor to the Prime-Minister of Albania who brought working origin. the experience from Albania; and Mrs. Nuran Zelen Gulersoy, Rudina Qerimi lecturer at Istanbul Technical University who brought the Turkish UN-HABITAT/MuSPP 2 MuSPP BULLETIN • January 2011

EditorialUrban Mobility in Kosovo - a Big Challengeganised by MuSPP in cooperation with municipalities. With the plans forming the Ministry of Environment and Spatial a basis for selected capital projects, citi- Planning (MESP), Cultural Heritage with- zens’ engagement is also important in out Boarders (CHwB) and Friedrich Eb- this case. Examples of public participa- ert Stiftung (FES) . The participation of tion in capital investment projects in Hani guest speakers from Sweden, Turkey and I Elezit/General Jankovic and in Mitrovica Albania gave an opportunity for shar- are reported as examples of inclusive CIP ing international experience on these planning. subjects. Post-conference materials are under preparation and will be available The establishment of the Council for on MuSPP website. Spatial Planning as an advisory and consultative body testifies to the importance Announced is the Memorandum of Un- which the Governemnt of Kosovo at- derstanding with the municipality of taches to spatial and urban planning in Mamusha which gives grounds for co- creating future development in Kosovo. operation with this municipality in de- Also the establishment of a professional veloping a Municipal Development Plan. Association of Kosovo Planners marks a Dear Readers In the meantime Memoranda of Under- new step in crating a forum for profes- The current issue of the MuSPP bulletin standing were also signed with Graca- sional debate on spatial development. carries information about the recent ac- nica and Partesh, two new municipalities The bulletin carries more detailed infor- tivities of the Programme at the central established under the decentralisation mation on the roles and aspirations of and local level, developments in the part- process. The MOU with Gracanica led the two organisations. ner municipalitie as well as important to the organisation of a visioning work- initiatives initiated in Kosovo and aimed shop which is one of the first steps in the The bulletin also carries a feature article at the promotion of participatory spatial planning process and allows for the con- by MuSPP staff on the situation in Hani and urban planning. solidation of engagement of civil society. I Elezit/General Jankovic, and new in this The workshop was supported by the edition you will the find media corner The bulletin carries a report from a MESP, CHwB and FES. The participation with extracted fragments from articles MuSPP staff member, Sami Stavoga, of experts from the International Civilian on MuSPP activities, from the printed who participated in a Summer School for Office dealing with Special Protection media. young urban professionals organised by Zones was of key importance for this the UN-HABITAT Office in Warsaw and municipality which has many sites under We hope that you will find the bulletin the Association of European Schools of protection. interesting. We invite government and Planning (AESOP) in cooperation with municipal officials, professionals as well the International Society of City and The opening of public reviews in Junik as citizens, men and women, boys and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) and the and Hani I Elezit/ General Jankovic for girls to write to us about their ideas for European Urban Research Association the discussion of Municipal Develop- the development of Kosovo cities, towns (EURA). ment Plans brings back the importance and villages. Interesting letters will be of public participation throughout the printed in our bulletin. Attention is given to the Lecture on planning process. A large number of citi- Sustainable Urban and Rural Develop- zens who attended the ceremony proves Krystyna Galezia, ment and the Conference on Envisioning of the increased awareness of citizens of CTA/ Head of UN-HABITAT Kosovo Office which gathered Kosovo professionals for their right to express opinions concern- two days of debates. The event was or- ing future spatial development of their

draft- MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF JUNIK 2010 - 2023 +

funded by:

Komuna e Junikut MMPH Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme For more: www.unhabitat-kosovo.org MuSPP BULLETIN • January 2011 3

EUROPEAN URBAN SUMMER SCHOOL

the future. Urban regeneration itself is a very complex process that our country is facing and will face in the future. New urban forms are also present through town and city enlargements in Kosovo and through the creating of new urban centres as a process of decentralization. It is highly important that this experience and the concepts developed are widely shared during the “in house“ drafting of municipal and urban development plans as well as drafting of urban regulatory A representative of MuSPP attended the solutions were determined. plans. European Urban Summer School (EUSS) The working method consisted of work- Implementing these plans is also very in Wroclaw/Poland. The school was or- ing in groups. Each group had to devel- important. During this event, the tasks ganized by UN-HABITAT and Association op and present three tasks correspond- identified the urgent improvements re- of European Schools of Planning (AE- ing to each part of the program, using quired for certain districts to fit in the SOP), in cooperation with International preselected cases. All of the cases dealt overall city context and its functions. Society of City and Regional Planners with the city of Wroclaw. The groups This is also related to capital investment (ISOCARP) and European Urban Re- chose a case and then through follow- project identification, development and search Association (EURA). ing a process of study tour, documents/ implementation. EUSS was held at Wroclaw University of maps analysis, debate and brainstorm- The lectures given were also very im- Technology in the Faculty of Architecture ing, present their initial ideas and the portant because they showed cases of from 10th to 19th of September 2010. concept to be used; and finally through proper research, different computer The participants were mostly from Eu- design of models, sketches, diagrams or population projections, spatial develop- ropean countries as well as from other other appropriate means, to present the ment, traffic, etc; model developments parts of the world, while the tutors were solution to the task given. The solution and detailed cases of urban regenera- from different backgrounds and univer- in the end could be in the shape of a tions. Many examples were on to treat sities. simple idea, diagrams, governance struc- industrial heritage were presented. For The topic of EUSS 2010 was: Is ‘old’ sus- tures, concept of new spatial organiza- Kosovo in general and for Hani i Elezit/ tainable? Is ‘past’ sustainable? Is heri- tion, new social program to be applied, General Jankovic in particular this could tage sustainable? The impact of modern new regulations to be empowered, etc. be a very useful experience. mankind on natural environment as well Each part of the group work occurred Working in the groups with profession- as on social and economic conditions parallelly with the lectures that were als from different countries was also a has been widely debated. A broadly very important in shaping the whole great experience. The points of view, accepted view is that our human influ- working process with useful and varied different approaches and different solu- ence has made things worse rather than experiences from different countries. tions enriched the overall experience of better. Rather than follow the view that The tasks developed were very useful the EUSS. old times were good times, EUSS 2010 examples of the creation and identifi- aimed at looking for an informal answer. cation of new urban forms and urban/ Sami Stagova Three main aspects of urban develop- city regeneration valid also for Kosovo in UN-HABITAT/MuSPP ment were studied: the environment, society and the economy. The participants assessed these aspects in terms of comparing “old” with “new” in an effort to recognize essential differences and similarities. The entire school program was divided in three parts. It opened with dialogue on detailed subjects, such as the importance of heritage as a spatial com- ponent. Next was a general view of the City and discussion of the models and the layers of spatial pattern, governance and cultural context. Finally, spatial order and control with its physical and other links was analyzed and pragmatic 4 MuSPP BULLETIN • January 2011 new organisational Bodies for planning

COUNCIL OF KOSOVO SPATIAL PLANNING IS CREATED

Experts nominated with KPHK should: the spatial situation, especially in the submit ideas and proposals; make rational use of space within our cities constructive and professional remarks for aspects such as natural and cultural followed with sustainable arguments, heritage, and important infrastructure without political, regional or group steps such as auto-roads, railways, bias; follow the application of all spa- hydro and thermo power plants etc. tial documents; and revise, harmonize The Council in cooperation with MESP and expand laws and bylaws that re- should also propose and define criteria late to the field of spatial planning in for spatial plans, and to set locations Kosovo. Obligations coming from the and assign criteria for monitoring, ad- duties of MESP programme and Koso- vising and evaluating quality of work vo Government in the field of spatial of spatial plans and other spatial regu- planning, approved by the Kosovo As- lation documents. The Government of Kosovo at its sembly should respect interests of the This is particularly vital with the refer- meeting on 13 May 2010 approved state of Kosovo. These are the main the decision for creating the Council ence to the country’s important areas duties of the Council, important for such as industrial park zones, zones for Spatial Planning (KPHK), which in- functioning of the state. cludes all members of this council ac- for exploitation of above ground and cording to the Law on Spatial Planning There are many other duties of the underground resources and other ac- no.2003/14, with changes added in council that need to be carried out tions on the space etc. The main aim 2008(No.03/L-106), as its consultative with full responsibility both profession- of the Council is to prevent destruc- unit (article 43, respectively 6). ally and ethically, such as: monitoring tion and damage of the space. of spatial development in Kosovo, the On 17 June 2010, in the premises of region and beyond; proposing spatial the Ministry of Environment and Spa- policies synchronized with European Ylber Vokshi - Ylli, tial Planning (MESP) members of the principles; to propose and advise on council were officially presented; a the methodology of drafting spatial Head of the Council of great professional support for MESP in and urban plans in both levels; and to Kosovo Spatial Planning the future. propose measures for improvement of

ASSOCIATION OF KOSOVO PLANNERS IS ESTABLISHED

The Association of Kosovo Planners field of urbanism and spatial planning. by all the members of the association; (AsPK) was established on 27th of Oc- The aims of the Association are: con- Executive Council as a structure which tober 2010 in Vila Germia following an tributing to the promotion of spatial manages professional and adminis- initiative of a group of urban and spa- planning and the contemporary con- trative activities of the organization; tial planning professionals. The status cepts for the use and protection of Steering Council which monitors the of the Association is: a voluntary, self space and attempt to create a new work of the Executive Council; and sustainable and non profit organiza- culture towards it through differ- the honorary court which monitors the tion, which aims at advancing the art ent activities; advancing the plan- work of the Association and steers pro- and science of urban and spatial planning; being available to support the cedures or disciplinary measures in the ning, with the socio-public interest. institutions on the establishment of cases of serious violations which affect The main objectives of the AsPK are professional and ethical standards in Association’s reputation and interest. the promotion of the professional the planning profession and draft- values which contribute to the sus- ing the policies in this filed; trying continues in pg 5 tainable development of Kosovo and to influence and raise awareness the wider region; contribution to the for the general public and the coop- protection of the cultural identity eration with different organizations. of the space and its settlements and The Association of Kosovo planners with the intention to eliminate in- is composed by the regular members equity in the use of the natural, cul- as well as honorary members and its tural and material resources by the structure is built as follows: General citizens; and exchange of experience Assembly as the highest structure of and professional information in the the association which is constituted MuSPP BULLETIN • January 2011 5

from pg 4 the private sector which aims at creat- Planning Day, publication of the bulle- The Association of Kosovo Planners ing the network of the institutions in- tin and the General Assembly meeting is still in its consolidation phase. In volved on the spatial planning. Some of the association on November 2011. its first working year the focus of its of the activities which are planned on the first working year of the as- engagement will be on the promo- Prishtinë/Pristina 03.12.2010 tion of the Association in the Kosovar sociation are the Urbanism Biennale,

society and wider, the establishment organization of the summer school, Kadrush Grezda, of the contacts with national and in- the fist advisory meeting with Kosovo ternational institutions, organizations, planners with a specified topic in the President of the Association of Kosovo universities and associations, as well as planning field, marking the World Planners

Media Corner

Regulatory Plan for Zatra approved fragment from an article published in daily newspaper “Zëri” 05 January 2011

In the past three years, the main focus have built in this zone, to receive con- of Peja Municipality was on the three struction permits, provided their con- based on specific characteristics. biggest informal zones within the mu- struction is in line with the Regulatory Peja was the first municipality in Koso- nicipality. With the Regulatory Plan Za- Plan. vo to draft an Urban Development Plan tra already approved, during this year The Regulatory Plan for Zatra followed in 2007, compiled by the Dutch com- Regulatory Plans for “Kristali” and “7 with remarks made by advisors from pany DNV for a period of twenty years. Shtatori” will also be completed. PDK. The leader of this group, Sali The Regulatory Plan for Zatra process Municipal Director of Urbanism, Lajçi, said that prior to this drafting, was developed with different stake- Gazmend Muhaxheri, said during the detailed measurements of the terrain holders funded by Sida and supported presentation that this plan offers a should be taken while the zone itself by UN-HABITAT, Mobkos, Syri i Vizion- possibility for all those citizens who needed to be divided into sub-zones it and other local organizations. Participation in Spatial planning process fragment from an article published in daily newspaper “Express” 17 November 2010

The Ministry of Environment and Spa- Experiences from around the world, ence from three Kosovan municipali- tial Planning (MESP) and UN-HABI- from the field of spatial planning, ur- ties (Junik, Hani i Elezit and Mitrovica) TAT Kosovo organized both a lecture banism and architecture were present- supported by UN-HABITAT’s Municipal “Sustainable Urban and Rural Devel- ed and explained. Spatial Planning Support Programme opment” and an interesting and im- Participation of inhabitants in urban (MuSPP) were also impressive. Espe- portant conference for our society planning processes and many other is- cially encouraging, was the way that “Envisioning as a participatory plan- sues in regard to urban life were elabo- these municipalities developed the ning tool”; these took place on 8th rated as well. Eminent representatives process of inclusion and envisioning in and 9th November 2010. The interest invited from Sweden, Turkey and Al- which citizens visions and ideas often in taking part in these unique events bania showed experiences from their addressed the reality of urban develop- was at a high level, and along with two countries in regard to involvement of ment in their local areas. Envisioning Ministers and invited professionals, inhabitants in the process of drafting as a participatory planning tool obvi- present were many other participants, urban and spatial planning documents. ously helps for future organization of considering the “open to public” char- territory and in management of the Examples presented during the confer- acter of the two events. neighborhood, city and region. Based on shared vision and concepts, the broader support of society in those processes is needed.

6 MuSPP BULLETIN • January 2011

UN-HABITAT corner

UN agencies join forces to deliver on climate change

UN agencies have spoken out about geted planning and action was taken. at UN-HABITAT said “The Cancun their commitment to deliver as one side-event recognized the role of Speaking at the summit, Axumite Ge- in the fight against climate change. the United Nations system in sup- bre-Egziabher, Head of the Global Divi- porting cities’ climate change ad- Representatives from UN-HABITAT, sion at UN-HABITAT, said that with half aptation and mitigation action.” the UN Framework Convention on the world’s population now living in Climate Change, the UN Develop- cities and one billion of them in slums, “Examples from Mexico, the Philip- ment Programme, the UN Interna- city wide vulnerability assessments pines, Jordan, Norway and Spain tional Strategy for Disaster Reduction, would need to be carried out and inte- highlighted how city action can the World Food Programme and the grated with enhanced urban planning be enhanced through internation- World Meteorological Organisation policies that took climate change into al partnerships,” he concluded. have outlined the UN system’s col- account if the challenge of creating For many, the Cancun has given a wel- lective capacity and ability to sup- more sustainable cities was to be met. come boost to the international pro- port the adaptation to and mitigation Gebre-Egziabher also stressed that al- cess of climate change adaption and of climate change around the world though the commitment to adapt and mitigation, with the Cancun Agree- Participants at the 16th Climate mitigate climate change was global, ment setting countries more firmly Change Summit in Cancun, Mexico the implementation had to be local. on the path to low-emission futures. heard how the adverse effects of cli- Commenting after the event, Ra- mate change will continue to impede fael Tuts, the Chief of the Urban sustainable development unless tar- source: www.unhabitat.org Environment and Planning Branch

Third International Conference on Women’s Safety: Building Inclusive Cities NEW DELHI, INDIA 22 - 24 NOVEMBER 2010

The theme of the Third Internation- which accounts for the multiple exclu- ence are: al Conference on Women’s Safety is sions women face while living in cities to review, analyze and consolidate dif- ‘Building Inclusive Cities’. This theme worldwide. Women from every level of ferent approaches/tools aimed at build- highlights how the concept of women’s urban life will be at the centre of this ing safe and inclusive cities, to build safety can be used as an entry point event, sharing their strength and expe- strong capacity within local-level civil to action on VAW and women’s rights rience in order to collectively develop society in order to mobilize community- through the strategic convening of key strategies for confronting the issues that wide support for safe and inclusive cities urban stakeholders and decision-mak- threaten women’s safety and equality. action, to assess and disseminate lessons ers, including those women whose voic- The Third International Conference on learned and good practices developed es and perspectives would not otherwise Women’s Safety provides the oppor- on enhancing women’s inclusion and be heard. This conference will build on tunity to ground and expand upon lo- right to the city. the successes of its predecessors while cal and international approaches that The Third International Conference on striving to address current issues such as build safer and more inclusive cities for Women’s Safety is being organized in rapid urban population growth and its women and girls. This event will enable collaboration with a number of key in- effect on socially excluded groups. The participants to collectively explore how ternational partners at the forefront of needs of women living in slums and dis- these methodologies have been or can safe cities for women work. Red Mujer y advantaged neighbourhoods, of elderly be adapted, how they have succeeded, Habitat de America Latina and the Huai- women, of disabled women, of indige- and how they can be improved and used rou Commission, the United Nations De- nous women, of lesbian and transsexual elsewhere to confront new and emerg- velopment Fund for Women (UNIFEM) women, and of those from ethnic and ing issues. In addition, the conference and the United Nations Human Settle- cultural minorities all continue to pres- will be a space for peer-learning and for ments Programme (UN-HABITAT) are ent particular challenges for those work- the capacity-building of local groups, collaborating partners. ing to include representative groups of so that new actors can take responsibil- women in safe cities, women’s rights ity for implementing safe and inclusive and VAW work. As a result, the inter- cities approaches in their communities. national community must now focus on Specifically, the objectives of the Third source: www.unhabitat.org gender inclusion through a wider lens International Women’s Safety Confer- MuSPP BULLETIN • January 2011 7

mUNICIPAL cORNER Junik Municipality opens Public Debate on the draft- Municipal Development Plan 2010-2023+ The opening ceremony of the public stakeholders a chance to provide their review of draft- Municipal Develop- views, comments, and raise issues as ment Plan 2010-2023+ started on Fri- well as provide proposals to the plan day 15th of October in the restaurant before it being sent to the Ministry “Oda e Junikut” in Junik. The event of Environment and Spatial Planning gathered more than 150 people who for consent and the final approval were eager to see the presentation of by the Municipal Assembly of Junik. the draft MDP. The MDP was drafted In his opening speech the Mayor of by the municipal staff of Junik from Junik, Mr. Agron Kuqi, mentioned the the Municipal Directorate for Urban- importance of the MDP which is the ism, Geodesy and Environment; this first and most important document draft- was supported by the Municipal Spatial drafted by the municipal staff. The pro- MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF JUNIK Planning Support Programme (MuSPP), cess of drafting the plan allowed the Cultural Heritage without Borders municipal staff to build their capacities 2010 - 2023 + (CHwB) and Institute of Spatial Plan- for future planning activities. Mr. Kuqi FAO, OSCE, KFOR. Using this occa- ning (ISP) within the Ministry of Envi- also expressed his gratitude towards sion the German Agency - GTZfunded by: ex- Komuna MMPH Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme ronment and Spatial Planning. The MuSPP, CHwB and ISP, the institutions pressede Junikut commitment and willingness public review of the MDP was open and agencies that assisted and sup- for cooperation and implementation until 15 December 2010. The public ported this process. He also gave credit of projects in the youth sector. This review gave inhabitants and different to the previous local government for initiative will correspond very well to the work that initiated this process the school upgrading project current- on 2009. In her opening remarks the ly underway, which is co-funded by Head of UN-HABITAT Kosovo office, the municipality of Junik and MuSPP. Mrs. Krystyna Galezia, emphasized the Municipality of Junik is the first mu- most important segment of MuSPP, nicipality in Kosovo to take a differ- which is the capacity building, and in ent approach to drafting the Mu- this case without any doubt the Ju- nicipal Development Plan (MDP). nik MDP represents its success story. Contrary to the general practice of The meeting was honoured by the outsourcing the plans to local and/ staff of the Ministry of Environment or international companies, which and Spatial Planning, the Minster’s often involves high cost, Junik did advisor Mr. Husnija Beshkovic, repre- it mainly with its own resources. sentatives of different international The Junik MDP is a comprehensive, and national agencies and institu- multi-sectoral document that aims to tions, Kosovo municipalities, Kosovo provide clear vision and goals on future Police, Regional Development Agency spatial development of this territory. RDA West and EULOG both funded by ECLO, World Food Programme Rudina Qerimi UN-HABITAT/MuSPP SIGNING AGREEMENT OF COOPERATION WITH MAMUSHA/MAMUSA AND OTHER NEW MUNICIPALITIES

On 28 October 2010, Head of UN-HAB- participatory planning approach, facili- Plan, which is also a legal requirement ITAT Kosovo office Mrs. Krystyna Gale- tated by the MuSPP team, emerged an of the Kosovo Law on Spatial Planning. zia and Mayor of Mamusha/Mamusa inclusive and comprehensive vision for To achieve this Mamusha/Mamusa Municipality Mr. Arif Butuc signed the Mamusha/Mamusa was formulated. has requested technical support from Memorandum of Understanding for By the end of 2008 the Pilot Municipal UN-HABITAT for drafting its Municipal drafting of Mamusha/Mamusa Munici- Unit of Mamusha/Mamusa was given Development Plan within the participa- pal Development Plan. full status as a municipality. However tory planning framework of Municipal The Municipality of Mamusha/Mamusa as a recently established authority it still Spatial Planning Support Programme at the time when it initiated planning lacks relevant planning documents and (MuSPP). In the meantime Memoranda procedures was a Pilot Municipal Unit. this is currently leading to uncontrolled of Understanding were also signed with The planning process In June 2008, with spatial and urban development of Ma- Graçanicë/Gracanica and Partesh/Partes, a Visioning Workshop organised by UN- musha/Mamusa. two new municipalities established un- HABITAT in collaboration with then Pilot For the purpose of guiding and con- der the decentralisation process. Municipal Unit of Mamusha/Mamusa trolling the future development of the and Cultural Heritage without Borders municipality, Mamusha/Mamusa should Dafina Karahoda (CHwB) was organized. Through this develop the Municipal Development UN-HABITAT/MuSPP 8 MuSPP BULLETIN • January 2011 mUNICIPAL cORNER HANI I ELEZIT/GENERAL JANKOVIC INITIATES CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROJECT AND LAUNCHES MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2010-2025

The event was attended by the staff and the Head of UN- HABITAT Kosovo office Krystyna Galezia. The project for improving the public spaces in Hani i Elezit/ General Jankovic is under implementation process now, whilst the Municiapl Development Plan (MDP) 2010-2025 of Hani i Elezit/General Jankovic was launched on the 17th of Decem- ber 2010 and will stay open to the public for 60 days, until 17th of February 2011. During the drafting of the MDP, all sector of the municipality were involved in drafting the plan with the utmost capacity of the municipality’s staff. The Directorate of Urbanism, Cadas- tre and Environment was the main actor of the project with the support of Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme (MUSPP), which is funded by Sida and implemented by UN- HABITAT. The planning process has been a great opportunity in terms of establishing very enthusiastic public participation among all groups of citizens and other interest parties concerned. The public review period is one of the main steps that enable involvement of all concerned stakeholders for finalizing the MDP; and is the opportunity for the municipality’s residents to give final views and discuss various issues about the plan. The opening ceremony of the public review, gave an opportunity for many important stakeholders to be introduced to the participants. There event was attended by: Agim Radon- iqi, the Director of the Department of Spatial Planning; Mr. Luan Nushi, the Director of Institute of Spatial Planning; the representatives of the Kosovo Police Service; KFOR; OSCE; At the end of 2008 the Municipality of Hani i Elezit/General representatives from neighboring municipalities; NGOs; local Jankovic and UN-HABITAT MuSPP2 (Municipal Spatial Plan- media; and most importantly the citizens of the municipality ning Support Programme in Kosovo phase 2) signed a Memo- of Hani i Elezit/General Jankovic. randum of Understanding for drafting its Municipal Develop- In the opening speech, Mr. Muzafer Dernjani, the Deputy ment Plan (MDP) and Urban Development Plan (UDP). Mayor, highly evaluated the importance of the MDP and the Hani i Elezit/General Jankovic is is in the process of turning engagement of municipal staff and expressed his gratitude to- from rural into the urban zone, and has only recently received wards UN-HABITAT and Sida for the support. Mr. Ishaku Mai- a status of a municipality. While the process of drafting the tumbi of MuSPP, UN-HABITAT, emphasized the importance of MDP the aspect of urbanisation and the lack of public places gained capacity of the municipality and the active public in- within the urban area was identified. Through the planning volvement during the planning process. Mr. Maitumbi stated process it was also emphasized that the town is one the main that the case of drafting the plan in-house in Hani i Elezit/ Kosovo ‘hot spots’ that are considered vulnerable to environ- General Jankovic has been a result of the active participation mental degradation mainly air and soil pollution. and committed effort of the municipality and its capacity. Mr As a result of the planning process and later discussions be- Radoniqi and Mr Nushi emphasized the importance of plan- tween UN-HABITAT and Municipality of Hani i Elezit/General ning for spatial development control and economic growth. Jankovic, it was agreed that the Capital Investment Project After the opening speeches, Mr. Nexhmedin Daci, the Director should deal with improving the public spaces and should be of Urbanism, Cadastre and Environment presented the MDP co-funded by both parties. draft. To respond to these needs, an Capital investment Project (CIP) There were several comments during the event. These includ- was designed with the focus on upgrading the city center. On ed priority of the actions/projects for the implementation of 30th of September 2010, MuSPP local office in Hani i Elezit/ the plan, taking in consideration the financial capacity of the General Jankovic in cooperation with MuSPP administra- municipality; and also the importance of the agricultural and tion (UN-HABITAT) and Municipality of Hani i Elezit/General cultural tourism development. Jankovic organized the ceremony of exchanging the agree- Sami Stagova & Pren Domgjoni ment of cooperation between Municipality and UN-HABITAT. UN-HABITAT / MuSPP MuSPP BULLETIN • January 2011 9

mUNICIPAL cORNER VISIONING FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF GRAcANICA/GRAÇANICË

The Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme in cooperation with Mu- nicipality of Gracanica/Graçanicë and in partnership with Cultural Heritage without Borders, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and ICO, organized the vision workshop in Ohrid, Macedonia, from 25 to 29 No- vember 2010. The workshop was an element of UN- HABITAT’s support to Kosovo municipalities in strengthening their capacities for effective urban governance, inclusive spatial development planning and em- powering civil society for participation in decision making processes Municipal officials including the Mayor, community members and representatives from different NGO’s operating in Gracanica/Graçanicë, as well as private with visualising a memory map of the into four groups covering the follow- sector representatives worked together municipality. Different public spaces, ing selected topics: Natural and Cultural to develop the vision for the future of streets, neighbourhoods, natural re- Heritage; Infrastructure and Mobility; their municipality. sources, green areas and especially the Economic Development; and Social Ser- The aim of this workshop was to en- monastery were mentioned and then vices and Housing. courage the participants to share their drawn in the map. Each group conducted a SWOT analysis thoughts and memories about their The participants became familiarized for their chosen topic areas. The task of municipality and together start to think with basic planning principles and nec- every group was to identify and analyze about the future, finding ideas on how essary tools in order to come up with in-depth strengths, weaknesses, oppor- to make Gracanica/Graçanicë a better broad ideas and goals alongside strate- tunities and threats of the current situ- place for all. gic priorities for future development of ation. Furthermore, each group devel- Introduction to the workshop was made their municipality. They were divided oped their objectives and as a final step they transformed these findings into “vision maps”. Finally, the participants agreed on a common motto and logo as well as common vision statement. This was the first step towards the Mu- nicipal Development Plan and the out- comes from this workshop will be used as a contribution to the upcoming phas- es. The results from the workshop will be presented to a wider audience and citizens of Gracanica/Graçanicë in a multi- media presentation to be held in the near future. This will provide an opportunity for discussions and additional sug- gestions and remarks will be taken into account.

Gloriosa Hisari and Ximi Osmani UN-HABITAT/MuSPP 10 MuSPP BULLETIN • January 2011

mUNICIPAL cORNER PUPILS OF METO BAJRAKTARI SCHOOL, SAFER ON THEIR WAY TO SCHOOL

The inauguration ceremony for the Spatial Planning Support Programme support of Swedish Development Co- capital investment project “Access Im- (MuSPP) in Mitrovica. Mrs. Krystyna operation Agency (Sida), will continue provement to the Primary School METO Galezia Head of UN-HABITAT Kosovo to participate in investments aiming at BAJRAKTARI” in Mitrovica, took place in office in Kosovo expressed her satisfac- improvements of public spaces and bet- front of the school area on November tion with the implementation of this ter quality of urban spaces for all citi- 3 2010. The project was initiated by a project which provides safer and more zens, with special attention to the most petition from the school community and comfortable access for the nearly 1000 vulnerable among them. The Mayor of elaborated in a close cooperation be- pupils of this school, and at the same Mitrovica, Mr Avni Kastrati, expressed tween the school and neighbourhood time enhances the attractiveness of the his gratitude for UN-HABITAT engage- communities, municipal departments neighbourhood. She stressed that UN- ment in Mitrovica so far. “UN-HABITAT and the team of UN-HABITAT Municipal HABITAT through MuSPP and with the is our strategic partner and we hope that we will continue our cooperation in other important projects for the city” he said. The executed work included the closure of the school access for car traffic, the filling of a deep concrete ditch, the improvement of the surface of an informal alternative path, the elevation of the surface of the entire access road crossroad (“plateau”), traffic speed and parking restraint measures, facilities for Handikos premises, and introduction of lighting of both access variants. Access Improvement to the Primary School “METO BAJRAKTARI” in Mitro- vica, was funded 50/50 on co-sharing basis by Municipality of Mitrovica, and the Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme, of UN-HABITAT in Kosovo, financed by Sida.

Drita Nushi UN-HABITAT/MuSPP

feature stories Town of grey sky

In our picturesque tour toward the bor- the roof needs only a year to change which premises are used today by the der with Macedonia, in right side with color. Municipal assembly will be regulated as mountains and in the left with Lepenc “ I heard that the town centre will be well” that’s how the 67 old-man Gani River, there’s a town of Hani i Elezit/Den- regulated, there will be a new trees Shkreta heard about the improvement eral Jankovic. Two are the main charac- planted here. Few days ago a friend of of Hani i Elezit/General Jankovic town teristics, among many. The first one: the mine told me that they are going to pull centre. residents of Hani, are potential patients down the old blocks in front of munici- Municipality with population of 10 000 from respiratory organs and secondly all pality” he said, adding that this is the inhabitants, was created from the pro- of them are living on the house where only thing what remained from Tito’s cess of decentralization in Kosovo in roof color turns into a gray. time. 2005, as a pilot unit. In 2008, Hani i “Look the only roof left in red is the “He (Tito) was a smart man” he adds Elezit/General Jankovic began to act as house over there, constructed this year” turning his head. a Municipality. starts his story Gani Shkreta. For him, “Administration of Cement Factory, continues in pg 11 MuSPP BULLETIN • January 2011 11

from pg 10 Municipality. The total cost for this proj- it is killing clouds left from the rain. On the first stage of working as a Mu- ect is 70 thousand euro. “Most of the people working here live in nicipality, Hani i Elezit/General Jankovic Hani i Elezit/General Jankovic. We have faced with many difficulties, where the Sharrcem, changing its our families here. Our hope for future main challenge was the lack of urban reputation stands on working with the Sharrcem” regulation and prevention of illegal con- Most of people working in Municipality said Ahmet Dernjani, one of them. structions. Inexperienced in this aspect of agree that their town has been devel- He lights a cigarette. “I am smoking and in the lack of budgetary funds, more oped jointly with Cement Factory, even twice. There is a smoke from chimney than ever, Municipality of HiE was in though it is known as a black gap for and from the burning cigarette. This is need for investments and capacity build- Hani i Elezit/General Jankovic. Marlboro, while from the chimney it can ing of local staff. For entering in “black gap”, special per- be everything” he said. They are aware UN-HABITAT through the Programme mit from unit director is needed. For our that the time of the improved infrastruc- of Municipal Spatial Planning Support protection, they said that wee need to ture followed with green spaces will Programme (MuSPP) included this mu- put helmet. come. nicipality on the programme and imme- “Everybody is obliged for this, females Municipality will plant new trees, will diately prioritized projects /actions to be are not excluded” says the security remove fences from their premises and undertaken. The collaboration between guard at the entrance. the area will be transformed into a green Hani i Elezit/General Jankovic and MuSPP In front of us there is a world of metal zone. This is how they heard about the started with the Envisioning Workshop and workers who are trying to keep the improvement of town city centre. held in Ohrid, where participants share factory functioning. On our way going “We need greenness as a fish needs wa- their memories and ideas about their inside the building, there is a corridor ter” Demjani said, hoping that the new municipality and together start to think with green plants, even though all area Capital Investment Project of UN-HABI- about the future of Hani i Elezit/General smells from cigarette smoke. We take TAT will not remain unmanaged as the Jankovic. the steps, to the first door in second park in Sharrcem’s yard. He thanked UN- Envisioning as a first step for compiling floor. When they knew, that I was inter- HABITAT for the support, even though municipal development plans, followed ested for pollution and for the way of according to him, “one flower is not with several meeting and workshops filtering the smoke, all of them remained enough for the spring to come.” with participation of civil society orga- unspoken. No one was responsible for “All that residents need to do is more nizations, local businesses and citizens. speaking. With finger, they pointed at courage and motivation for changing And that’s how it’s started with the the administration building. things … and at the same to exclude for- “learning by doing method” in the “in- “Ask them” ,they said. ever the quote “it is not my problem”” house” approach of drafting planning Scary and dusty metal stairs take down Demjani said. policy documents and projects, support- at the basement of the place. We left the “Sharrcem” working, hop- ed by MuSPP. “Do you want a cup of coffee?” asked ing that one day the factory and the In line with the process, the Municipality me one of them. town will be models of environment of expressed the need for regulation of “Thanks. I got not enough time” I said. protection in Kosovo. town city centre, which project started It is almost 1 PM and the smoke con- to be implemented and it will be jointly tinues going out from the chimney of Astron Mahmutaj and equally funded by UN-HABITAT and “Sharrcem”, giving the expression that UN-HABITAT/MuSPP 12 MuSPP BULLETIN • January 2011

Next Public Presentation of Gracanica/GracanicË Envisioning Edition workshop The current situation of Capital investment projcts in MuSPP Municipalities the completion of the strategic environmental assesment report for Hani i Elezi/general jankovic

Making Better Cities Together

MuSPP2 is the second and a more advanced phase of the Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme . Its concept was developed in cooperation with partner municipalities to ensure consolidation of the planning activities conducted under MuSPP1. The programme’s design was consulted with the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning(MESP), Association of Kosovo Municipalities and Sida. The programme addresses the need for strengthened capacities of the local authorities and their professional officers for the implementation of municipal and urban development plans developed under MuSPP1. It also relates to the existing expertise and experience in local and central bodies responsible for the planning activities (e.g. municipal departments of urbanism, Department of Spatial Planning and the Institute of Spatial Planning at the MESP). The cooperation at the central level is focussed on addressing issues which are not within the scope of municipal competencies and where support of the central level is essential. MuSPP2 seeks a more direct involvement of civil society organisations in the implementation of the programme through the system of cooperation agreements. Based on the lessons learned from the earlier experience, the delivery of technical advice and support is done this time through a project-based approach with a strong orientation results.

IMPRESSUM

Making Better Cities Together Municipal Spatial Office: more on UN-HABITAT Kosovo: Planning Support UN-HABITAT Kosovo www.unhabitat-kosovo.org Programme in Kosovo Rilindja Ministries Building 10th Floor, Chief Technical Advisor/ 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo more on UN-HABITAT: Head of Office Tel:: +381/38/20032611 www.unhabitat.org Krystyna Galezia Fax: +381/38/224122 [email protected]

Editing: Krystyna Galezia, Rudina Qerimi English editing: Jillian Bywater Translation: Astron Mahmutaj

This Newsletter is made possible by the Government of Sweden through Sida. All views, opinions and conclusions are those of the authors. Contributions regarding municipalities do not necessarily reflect the position and decision of the municipalities concerned. The content of these articles do not necessarily reflect UN-HABITAT’s position on issues raised or statements made and do not neccesarily reflect the views of Sida, or the Government of Sweden.