2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

The practice "Participatory Diagnosis in Your Neighborhood" involved citizens in identifying and solving urban and social issues in the Costanera del Río Salí area through a participatory diagnostic strategy.

In March 2024, a participatory observational survey was conducted in the La Costanera polygon, which encompasses eight neighborhoods with common characteristics. During this process, community-legitimized neighborhood leaders were identified and played a key role in implementing the intervention. Initially, residents were skeptical, but thanks to concrete actions and the "Somos Más en Territorio" program, used as a territorial approach tool, strong commitment and collaboration were achieved.

The project is part of the 2023-2030 Master Plan and the Participatory Budget, with a focus on reducing inequalities between the central area and the city's peripheries. Through this participatory approach, the largest landfill in the city was eradicated, removing 1,500,000 kg of waste over 9 months of work. Tasks such as clearing overgrowth, reconstructing sewers, and recovering urban furniture were also carried out. In addition, more than 150 trees, 60 palm trees, and 25 palm umbrella shades (palapas) were planted, improving local biodiversity and public space.

The social impact has been remarkable, as residents not only participated in improving their environment but also strengthened neighborhood identity and social cohesion. Through this practice, residents actively engaged in transforming their community, creating a model of effective participation that has reinforced trust in local authorities. Furthermore, the practice continues to be implemented in other neighborhoods of the city, with the aim of incorporating the experiences and lessons learned from neighborhood participation.

In summary, the "Participatory Diagnosis in Your Neighborhood" practice and its "Somos Más en Territorio" strategy have transformed the Costanera del Río Salí into an example of collaboration and joint work between citizens and local authorities, contributing to a cleaner, more accessible, sustainable, and equitable city.

For more information:

https://smt.gob.ar/area/direccion-de-centros-vecinales/40
 (External link)Annex: https://www.oidp.net/docs/repo/doc1631.pdf (External link)