Creating a Strategic Citizen Participation Plan for Parcelas Suarez: Alternatives to collaborative problem-solving and just mitigation planning in Loiza, Puerto Rico

Abstract

This report will compile the strategies and recommendations for a local participatory approach in the Parcelas Suarez community, creating a path for collaboration. The first part of the report briefly describes the historical background and physical, political, social, and cultural context of the community. This section includes a profile of the Parcelas Suarez community, its achievements, and its methods for participation that can be used as inspiration for other communities in Loiza. The second part of the report discusses what public participation is, what are its positive impacts in the context of coastal planning, as well as social and environmental justice. The final section discusses the most innovative and successful methods developed for and by communities like Parcelas Suarez. In the conclusion, there are strategic recommendations on how to start a participatory approach and the main takeaways from the literature and practices that can be valuable for Parcelas Suarez and Loiza.