Mreža za prostor – Network for Spatial Development
Connecting NGOs and local initiatives to advance participatory, sustainable spatial development
Mreža za prostor – Network for Spatial Development is an informal network of non-governmental organisations and local initiatives working in the field of spatial and urban development in Slovenia.
Since 2009, the network has provided its members with advocacy, expert support, information and opportunities for cooperation. It works to strengthen public participation and increase the role of NGOs, local initiatives and civil society groups in spatial planning and decision-making. The network also advocates for appropriate recognition of NGOs working in the public interest in the field of spatial planning.
Mreža za prostor develops knowledge and activities in areas that are essential to sustainable spatial and urban development. These include sustainable mobility, housing policy, urban regeneration, the temporary use of space, urban gardening, climate adaptation, education and advocacy.
The network is recognised as the main platform connecting NGOs working in spatial and urban development in Slovenia. Its activities have helped raise awareness of spatial development challenges and of the contribution made by civil society organisations in addressing them. Through networking, advocacy, awareness-raising and expert support, the network strengthens the capacity of NGOs and local initiatives to contribute to sustainable and inclusive spatial development.
Mreža za prostor currently connects 23 active NGOs and is coordinated by IPoP – Institute for Spatial Policies.
Mreža za prostor Climate Programme 2025–2029
The current Climate Programme is built around four key areas of action:
1. Adapting urban spaces to climate change
This strand focuses on transforming roads and parking areas into green public spaces. Key activities include advocacy related to national strategies, climate-sensitive spatial planning and communication campaigns that raise awareness of extreme weather events.
2. Adapting planning practices
This strand addresses gaps in climate adaptation knowledge among architects, urban planners and other planning professionals. The programme provides training, a catalogue of practical examples with accessible guidance for implementing climate solutions, and a network of climate mentors offering professional advice.
3. Empowering communities
The programme encourages residents to play an active role through participatory mechanisms such as climate assemblies. It places particular emphasis on cooperation with municipalities—for example through the Za žive meje! (For Living Hedges!) initiative—and on providing legal and professional support to local initiatives.
4. Strengthening the support environment
This strand promotes the long-term stability of the NGO sector. Activities include “idea breakfasts” for developing new projects, establishing a foundation to provide financial support to communities, and working towards a shared sustainability hub for civil society organisations.
Funding: The Climate Programme is supported through the NVO24 public call for the co-financing of climate programmes delivered by thematic NGO networks in the fields of environmental protection and spatial planning.
Mreža za prostor Climate Programme 2020–2024
The Climate Programme for 2020–2024 was based on the strategic objectives of Mreža za prostor and the challenges arising at the intersection of spatial planning and climate change.
It comprised five areas of action: developing sustainable transport policy, improving the management of green spaces, adapting spatial planning to climate change, empowering communities, and creating a supportive environment for NGOs working towards sustainable and inclusive spatial development.
Through the programme, the network connected NGOs and local initiatives, strengthened their advocacy and professional capacities, and promoted the integration of climate objectives into spatial policies and practical interventions.
Funding: The project was co-financed through the NVO19 public call for climate programmes delivered by thematic NGO networks in the fields of environmental protection and spatial planning. The programme was funded from the Climate Change Fund by the Slovenian Environmental Public Fund and the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning.
Mreža za prostor – for sustainable and inclusive spatial development, 2015–2019
Between 2015 and 2019, Mreža za prostor brought together professional NGOs and local initiatives or organised groups of residents working over the long term to improve the quality of their living environment.
The network advocated for better-structured public participation in spatial planning, a stronger role for NGOs and local initiatives in decision-making, and formal recognition of NGOs working in the public interest in the field of spatial planning.
Its activities focused primarily on urban mobility, housing policy, urban regeneration, the temporary use of space, urban gardening, and education and awareness-raising related to spatial planning.
Partners: IPoP – Institute for Spatial Policies, network lead and coordinator; Legal-Informational Centre for NGOs – PIC; prostoRož Cultural Association; and the Slovenian Cyclists’ Network
Co-financing: European Social Fund and the Ministry of Public Administration
Mreža za prostor, 2010–2012
In November 2010, the Mreža za prostor project was selected for support under the 2010–2012 public call promoting the development of NGOs and civil dialogue.
During this period, the network continued and expanded its activities, particularly in advocacy and civil dialogue, support for NGOs, and strengthening the network’s visibility and role in society.
Partners: IPoP – Institute for Spatial Policies, network lead and coordinator; Legal-Informational Centre for NGOs – PIC; and Trajekt Institute for Spatial Culture
Funding: The Mreža za prostor project was partly financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund and by the Republic of Slovenia’s Ministry of Justice and Public Administration. The operation was implemented under the Human Resources Development Operational Programme, within the development priority Institutional and Administrative Capacity and the priority orientation Promoting the Development of NGOs and Civil and Social Dialogue.
Establishing Mreža za prostor, 2009–2010
Mreža za prostor began operating in August 2009 as part of a project selected through the public call for the co-financing of national thematic NGO networks in 2009 and 2010.
By October 2010, the network had organised six problem-solving workshops with local initiatives and prepared six accompanying studies. It also delivered four seminars and four public forums on key issues concerning Slovenia’s spatial development, published six publications and a collected volume, and produced thirteen editions of the Mreža za prostor newsletter.
To mark World Habitat Day in 2009, the network organised a round-table discussion. A year later, this developed into a series of events entitled Dan za prostor (A Day for Space). The project also made an important contribution to establishing the Odgovorno do prostora! (Responsible towards Space!) partnership, which connected civil society and professional organisations working in spatial planning.
Funding: The project was partly financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund.
