Local economic development, innovation and livelihoods
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
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
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
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
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…
Kalmar – Poltava, Ukraine
Project: Equal preparedness and civil defense – Strengthened resilience in Poltava and Kalmar The partnership between Kalmar and Poltava focuses on enhancing public health by making it more accessible and building sustainable communities, aligning their efforts with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Despite the immense challenges posed…
Increasing Transparency in Local Governments: Implementation of Citizen Budgets in Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe
This research project investigates the implementation and impact of Citizen’s Budgets at the local level in selected countries. It aims to understand the elements that compose these budgets, the impact they have on the transparency of local government budget processes, and the degree of empowerment they confer, especially to marginalized groups. The study also assesses…
Provisions of social workers to victims of internal child trafficking in Uganda: A case study of children living on the streets of Kampala City
Human trafficking has become a serious global challenge in the recent past. Regarded as a global epidemic, it has triggered an increase in numbers of children living on the streets especially in countries where internal trafficking in children is a common social vice. This has resulted into a syndemic as a social evil in human…
Locally-led Adaptation as a Silver Bullet? Complexities, Needs, and Responses in Climate Adaptation at the Volta Coastline, Ghana
Sea-level rise increases the exposure of low-lying communities to climate risks along the eastern coast of Ghana, while adaptation responses are reactive and insufficient to secure fishing livelihoods in highly vulnerable areas. To better address needs, Locally-led Adaptation (LLA) promotes just climate governance by shifting power to local actors to enable context specific and place-based…
María José Zapata Campos drives research and change at ICLD
New Research Chief María José Zapata Campos has taken on her new role as Research Chief at ICLD, with a mission to empower local democracies and combat global inequalities. Passionate about creating a sustainable future, she’s ready to make her mark at ICLD! Who is María-José? Born and raised in Elche, a town on Spain’s…
