CONSULTATION

CONSULTATION

The consultation process, specifically in the case of the SBAC, is called upon to fulfill a dual role, which consists of:

  • A. To inform, educate, and raise awareness among citizens and municipal officials regarding the vision of Sustainable Urban Mobility

  • B.Gathering the views and concerns of citizens and officials as part of the consultation process itself, regarding the proposals to be submitted by the Study Group.

Information – Awareness

The methods and techniques available for conducting awareness campaigns and educational activities regarding the nature and objectives of the SBAK may include, by way of example and not limited to, the following:

  • Workshops/Seminars.
  • Public hearings/meetings.
  • Awareness campaigns (media, distribution of informational brochures/pamphlets).
  • Information Technology (Internet).

A key element of this briefing should be to highlight the connection between the policy for implementing the National Urban Mobility Plan (SBAK) and not only general policies on environmental protection and rational transportation management, but also specific policies aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting “Green Growth.”

Specifically:

Climate Change Mitigation

Climate change mitigation policies refer to any human intervention aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing their storage sinks. Climate change mitigation is attracting the attention of an increasing number of governments and is the subject of planning at the international level, as it has been established that greenhouse gas emissions exacerbate climate change. Global climate change mitigation policies are based on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is achieved, among other things, by reducing car use.

Green Development

"Green Development" (or Sustainable Development) is economic growth that takes place without depleting natural resources. Its main objectives are:

  • Growth without exacerbating environmental problems.
  • Conservation of natural resources.
  • The use of technology to address global environmental issues.
  • Increasing employment through the adoption of new technologies.
  • The enactment of legislation to protect the environment and its natural resources.

In light of the synergy and complementarity between the objectives of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) and Green Growth, the following should be pursued:

  • The development of methods for advancing environmentally friendly technologies related to transportation and mobility.
  • The sustainable development of activities directly related to natural resources (e.g., energy production, mining, etc.).

Consultation Process

Through the consultation process, stakeholders and affected parties (public and private entities, businesses, citizens, etc.) can contribute to the shaping of all the issues under consideration by expressing their views and suggestions.

The public consultation is a crucial stage for the success of the SBAC, during which public input is evaluated and, where appropriate, incorporated into the Plan, both during its development and during its implementation.

The consultation takes place during the drafting phase so that its results can be evaluated and incorporated into the final draft. Within this framework, appropriate tools and the most effective methods may be used either alternatively or in combination to ensure that the resulting outcome is comprehensive and targeted.

The consultation process may include the following initiatives:

  • Publication of the preliminary draft of the Local Urban Development Plan on the Municipality’s website. The preliminary draft is posted on the website following a call for all interested parties (organizations or citizens) to submit their proposals via email within 15 days of publication. This method of consultation is considered the most effective, as the volume of issues is expected to be substantial, the scientific and interdisciplinary knowledge required is broad, and the experience gained is unprecedented in the country. If, at the end of the 15-day period, public participation is deemed insufficient, the Agency may extend the comment submission period by an additional 7 days.

  • Sending the draft to groups of similar organizations. The draft, accompanied by a relevant invitation to participate, is sent electronically to groups of citizens and organizations with similar objectives, with the aim of fostering potential collaboration among these organizations to submit joint proposals. Such groups may include foundations, associations, unions, NGOs, etc.

  • Submission of the draft to specific entities.The draft, accompanied by a relevant invitation to participate, is sent electronically to specific entities whose participation is deemed particularly useful. Such entities may include the Regional Authority, neighboring municipalities, the Regional Bus Service (KTEL), the Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA), the Port Authority, etc.

  • Evaluation of the Consultation Proposals. The Study Group will collect and process—in collaboration with the Municipality—all comments submitted so that it can subsequently evaluate them. If it is determined that further clarification is needed regarding specific comments or proposals, the Study Group and/or the Municipality may initiate further communication with the authors of those comments.

Upon completion of the evaluation, the proposals deemed acceptable will be incorporated into the final SBAK.

MARATHON MUNICIPALITY’S SBAK – PRESENTATION OF THE FIRST PUBLIC CONSULTATION

1st Consultation