Perspectives of key sectors on citizen participation and participation motives in spatial and urban planning processes: Insights from the Bor-Majdanpek basin

Abstract

Public participation plays a key role in spatial and urban planning, as it enables citizens to engage in decision-making, enhances transparency, and contributes to the development of policies that resonate with community needs. This paper provides a concise overview of the perspectives of aligned and opposing sectors-including public authorities, planners, and civil-regarding citizen involvement in planning processes and motivations for their participation. The findings are based on a qualitative analysis of interviews with representatives from these sectors, including planners, national and local authorities, mining companies, and civil society organisations, offering insights into institutional attitudes toward public participation, perceived barriers, and the implementation of participatory procedures. The study was conducted in Serbia within the MINIPART project funded by the PRISMA Program of the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia (#7598), with particular focus on the Bor-Majdanpek mining region. Results indicate a low level of citizen awareness and limited trust in formal participation mechanisms, which act as demotivating factors for engagement in planning processes. The study also concludes that participation can be improved through better access to information, clearer procedures, and the adaptation of participatory methods to local contexts.