SUSTAINABLE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FROM PERSPECTIVE OF CITIZENS: SALASPILS MUNICIPALITY (LATVIA) CASE

Abstract

Conditions are very different in the different parts of any country, andthe quality of life as well as the impacts produced on the environmentdepend on a variety of local factors of environmental, economic andcultural nature, and every action must cope with such local conditions,traditions, and attitudes. Thereby one of the approaches on assessmentof sustainable development could be based on subjective evaluation ofcitizens of certain municipality. During 2010-2012 in Salaspilsmunicipality (Latvia) the SPIRAL methodology for measurement ofsubjective well-being indicators using co-responsibility approach wasapprobated, which was the basis for establishing the more efficientdialogue with citizens. This research showed results related tosustainable development as well - the methodology provides alternativesubjective sustainable development indicators which provides the reachmaterial for local authorities in decision-making process. Taking intoaccount all mentioned before the purpose of paper is to analyse theresults conducted during this research related to subjective sustainabledevelopment indicators contrary to objective sustainable indicators ofmunicipality.In order to achieve the aim the tasks are formulated as follows:1 to review theoretical background for responsible sustainabledevelopment at local level;2 to analyse best practice of municipalities in ensuring the citizens'engagement in promoting sustainable development in the municipality;3 to present the methodology of conducted empirical research atSalaspils municipality on assessment the well-being at local level andrelation to sustainable development.Research methods used: scientific literature studies, several stages offocus group discussions, statistical data analysis, SPIRAL methodology,scenario method.The main findings of the paper -subjective evaluation of economic,social and environment differs from objective measures. It could beexplained by the fact that subjective indicators capture thesatisfaction of inhabitants by certain moment. In addition, objectiveindicators don't show the level of satisfaction what brings each measureunit (EUR, %, etc.). Also the subjective perceptions of inhabitantsaffects mentality, culture and other background factors. In addition, itis crucial for sustainable development of the territory to ensure thatsociety is effectively involved in preparation of planning documents ofthe municipality. It is proposed to use co-responsibility approach indefinition and implementation of activities towards sustainabledevelopment of municipality.