Scrutinizing the link between participatory governance and urban environment management. The experience in Arequipa during 2003–2006

This paper conceptualises participatory governance as a process of deepening local democracy through the opening of new spaces for civil society and citizens’ participation. It explores the link with the urban environment planning and management processes as proposed by UN-HABITAT’s SCP/LA21 programmes.To this end, an analysis of the Urban Environment Management Support Strategy in Arequipa (Peru) promoted by UN-HABITAT and UNEP in 2003–2006 is undertaken to examine how Local Agenda 21 can contribute to institutionalise participatory governance processes which deepen democratic management of sustainable human development in cities. Methodologically, this is made by applying Gaventa’s (2006) participatory governance approach in the case study with extensive fieldwork carried out in the city.According to that, conclusions are drawn in three different areas. Firstly, the participatory process itself and the role of the working groups, the use of objective data, the connection with citizens and some issues concerning facilitation. Secondly, the analysis goes inside accountability and explores the conflictive link between political action and negotiations which take place within a participatory planning process. Thirdly, the paper discusses institutionalisation and the importance of capitalising previous experiences and existing networks with a particular emphasis on the ones related to environmental education and training.