Local economic development, innovation and livelihoods

  • Towards a Just Transition in Plastic Governance: Grassroots Waste Pickers, Participatory Spaces, and Environmental Democracy in Kenya

    Towards a Just Transition in Plastic Governance: Grassroots Waste Pickers, Participatory Spaces, and Environmental Democracy in Kenya

    This study draws on the case of Mombasa county, Kenya, to examine the participatory spaces through which grassroots waste pickers engage local government and the implications for a just transition in plastic governance. Using environmental democracy and grassroots innovation frameworks, the analysis extends Gaventa’s typology of invited and created spaces by introducing co-created spaces emerging…

  • Towards a Just Transition in Plastic Governance: Grassroots Waste Pickers, Participatory Spaces, and Environmental Democracy in Kenya

    Towards a Just Transition in Plastic Governance: Grassroots Waste Pickers, Participatory Spaces, and Environmental Democracy in Kenya

    This study draws on the case of Mombasa county, Kenya, to examine the participatory spaces through which grassroots waste pickers engage local government and the implications for a just transition in plastic governance. Using environmental democracy and grassroots innovation frameworks, the analysis extends Gaventa’s typology of invited and created spaces by introducing co-created spaces emerging…

  • Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of Klapmuts & Kayamandi Townships: Stellenbosch Municipality, South Africa

    Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of Klapmuts & Kayamandi Townships: Stellenbosch Municipality, South Africa

    This report responds to the growing need for voluntary local reviews (VLRs) of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) progress at the municipal level. It presents the findings of a community-based assessment conducted in the informal townships of Klapmuts and Kayamandi, both located within the Stellenbosch Municipality of the Western Cape Province, South Africa. In line with…

  • Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of Klapmuts & Kayamandi Townships: Stellenbosch Municipality, South Africa

    Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of Klapmuts & Kayamandi Townships: Stellenbosch Municipality, South Africa

    This report responds to the growing need for voluntary local reviews (VLRs) of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) progress at the municipal level. It presents the findings of a community-based assessment conducted in the informal townships of Klapmuts and Kayamandi, both located within the Stellenbosch Municipality of the Western Cape Province, South Africa. In line with…

  • Advancing Democracy and Resilience through Industrial and Urban Symbiosis

    Advancing Democracy and Resilience through Industrial and Urban Symbiosis

    This learning case offers insights into how local governments can advance climate justice by embedding accountability, transparency, equity, and civic participation. It invites local governments who seek to actively promote circular economy to learn about a holistic approach to public-private partnerships and the “industry cluster” method. It illustrates how strengthening local democracy is, and should…

  • Advancing Democracy and Resilience through Industrial and Urban Symbiosis

    Advancing Democracy and Resilience through Industrial and Urban Symbiosis

    This learning case offers insights into how local governments can advance climate justice by embedding accountability, transparency, equity, and civic participation. It invites local governments who seek to actively promote circular economy to learn about a holistic approach to public-private partnerships and the “industry cluster” method. It illustrates how strengthening local democracy is, and should…

  • Bergs Kommun – Krolevets, Ukraine

    Bergs Kommun – Krolevets, Ukraine

    Inception The partnership between Berg Municipality and Krolevets began through ICLD’s matchmaking process at the Visby event Almedalsveckan in June 2025. Since then, two bilateral meetings with senior political leaders and ICLD representatives have laid the groundwork for collaboration. The partnership is now in the process of developing their project idea in the ICLD-funded inception-phase.…

  • Bergs Kommun – Krolevets, Ukraine

    Bergs Kommun – Krolevets, Ukraine

    Inception The partnership between Berg Municipality and Krolevets began through ICLD’s matchmaking process at the Visby event Almedalsveckan in June 2025. Since then, two bilateral meetings with senior political leaders and ICLD representatives have laid the groundwork for collaboration. The partnership is now in the process of developing their project idea in the ICLD-funded inception-phase.…

  • Region Gotland – Berislav, Ukraine

    Region Gotland – Berislav, Ukraine

    Growing Together for Resilient Futures The partnership between Gotland and Berislav is rooted in deep historical ties, with approximately 10% of Gotland’s population having Ukrainian heritage. This longstanding connection forms a natural foundation for the current collaboration, which is driven by a mutual ambition to foster democratic resilience and prepare for long-term societal development despite…

  • Region Gotland – Berislav, Ukraine

    Region Gotland – Berislav, Ukraine

    Growing Together for Resilient Futures The partnership between Gotland and Berislav is rooted in deep historical ties, with approximately 10% of Gotland’s population having Ukrainian heritage. This longstanding connection forms a natural foundation for the current collaboration, which is driven by a mutual ambition to foster democratic resilience and prepare for long-term societal development despite…