Nelson, Suzy: Stewardship of the built environment in England: lessons for developing sustainable communities, IN Planning Practice and Research, Vol 26 No 1 Feb 2011, pp1-19
Explores the role stewardship in the improvement of housing quality and the development of more sustainable communities. Reviews two historical models of stewardship in the built environment: land owned and managed by aristocratic estates; and the garden cities model of urban development. Highlights the long-term view taken by these two models and contrasts this with the short-term view of development taken by the contemporary UK house building industry. Describes recent efforts to improve the design quality and sustainability of new housing. Presents a case study of contemporary private-sector stewardship, focusing on the development of a new neighbourhood at Newall near Harlow in Essex. Discusses the Moen family's plans for the development and commitment to quality. Looks at various features of the development including: the mix of housing types and tenure; plans for mixed-use buildings and a neighbourhood centre; sustainability; economic viability; and the long-term management plans. Assesses the strengths and weaknesses of this approach to delivering sustainable communities. Considers the potential for private-sector-led stewardship to produce high-quality development, and the lessons for creating sustainable communities.
Florida, Richard; Mellander, Charlotta; Stolarick, Kevin: Beautiful places: the role of perceived aesthetic beauty in community satisfaction, IN Regional Studies, Vol 45 No 1 Jan 2011, pp33-48
Presents the results of research conducted in the US, which sought to examine the effects of beauty and aesthetics on community satisfaction. Investigates the influence of different community characteristics, including: quality of public schools; quality of schools and colleges; cultural opportunities; job opportunities; religious institutions; meeting people and making friends; vibrant nightlife; affordable housing; public transportation; congestion; quality healthcare; climate; air quality; beauty or physical setting; outdoor parks, playgrounds and trails; current economic conditions; and future economic conditions. Finds that beauty is significantly associated with community satisfaction, and reports that other significant factors include economic security, schools and social interaction. Suggests that community-level factors are significantly more important than individual demographic characteristics in explaining community satisfaction.
Oxford University Department of International Development - Working Paper
Multi-criteria Assessment of Ecosystems and Biodiversity: New Dimensions and Stakeholders in the South of France - Stanislav Edward Shmelev (QEH)
http://www.qeh.ox.ac.uk/dissemination/wpDetail?jor_id=339
This paper summarises research undertaken to develop a methodology for multi-criteria assessment of biodiversity which takes into account a multitude of criteria and stakeholder perspectives. The proposed methodology will be of particular value for developing countries, where conflicts of interest regarding ecosystems and biodiversity are numerous and often involve businesses, government, local residents, and other stakeholders. The article reviews the state of the art in the field of multi-criteria methods and assessment of ecosystems and biodiversity. It presents the results of analytical work undertaken on the basis of interviews carried out in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (PACA) region of France, focusing on biodiversity in the Reserve Naturelle Coussouls de Crau. The paper addresses three main issues: selection of the multi-criteria assessment method, selection of the assessment criteria, and a comparison of stakeholder interests in the context of biodiversity analysis. Identification of potential decision criteria was based on a survey of key stakeholders, namely Management of the Reserve Naturelle Coussouls de Crau; Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, a national biodiversity research institution; the Laissez-faire Association, protecting the interests of the agricultural community; CDC Biodiversite (a branch of Caisse des Depots), a group carrying out long-term investments in the public interest; and Direction regionale de l'environnement Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (DIREN-PACA). Based on these interviews, 14 ecological, nine economic, and 12 social criteria were identified. Further analysis revealed very few points of overlap among the interests of the stakeholders, which complicates the case for consensus building. Not accepting the idea that the value of ecosystems and biodiversity can be expressed in monetary terms, the author suggests an alternative, more inclusive approach, focusing on multiple social, economic, and ecological dimensions of ecosystem value, and illustrates the existence of divergent interests among the stakeholders. This experience would be particularly useful in situations where local communities have to defend their right to a clean environment and preserve important virgin ecosystems for the future generations.
Strategic Planning for Learning Organizations in the Cultural Sector
Soros Foundation Moldova, March 2011, Moldova
Researcher, professor and consultant Lidia Varbanova has published a new book about efficient management and strategic planning of organisations in the cultural sector. Supported by the European Cultural Foundation and the MATRA Programme of the Dutch Government, the book proposes to apply a set of organisational strategies in cultural organisations by providing clear practical orientation and comprehensible definitions that can be used as a "guidebook" by professionals and researchers from the sector. The book, edited by Diane Dodd, provides plenty of examples and tips for elaborating a strategic plan.
Published in Russian and Romanian by the Soros Foundation Moldova, the English edition will be released in the following months.
http://www.lidiavarbanova.ca/main/2011/02/02/strategic-planning/
Kyte, Simon; Deb, Sweta: 2011. Estimating the contribution of leisure day visitors to London's tourism industry (Current issues note 29)
Greater London Authority, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA
Available on the internet at: http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/glaecon-cin-29.pdf
Explores how to measure the contribution of leisure day visitors to London's tourism industry. Discusses the differences between the various surveys which have been used to measure tourism day visits and spend in London. Provides details and results of the most recent National Day Visitor Surveys, the Great Britain Day Visits Survey 2002 to 2003 (GBDVS) and the England Leisure Visits Survey (ELVS) in 2005. Outlines the key limitations of these national surveys, including data and sampling issues, methodologies used, timeliness and coverage for London. Considers the 2008 London Development Agency (LDA) Omnibus Survey and highlights the latest tourism day visitor estimates, including expenditure and volumes for London. Looks at the differences between the Omnibus Survey and the GBDVS and ELVS, and provides a summary comparison table of the three surtreated as experimental in nature.
Prince's Regeneration Trust. 2011. Planning for sustainability: a local authority toolkit. Prince's Regeneration Trust
Available on the internet at: http://www.princes-regeneration.org/pdf/PRT-Planning-for-Sustainability.pdf
Sets out a series of steps to consider when managing heritage assets and when looking into the options for their disposal. Includes guidance for local authorities on each of the steps, covering: managing heritage assets; maintenance and periodic survey; keeping a building log book or conservation manual; taking stock of what the council owns; regularly reviewing council assets and considering opportunities for disposal; making cost comparisons; transparent decision making on disposals; obtaining the best value for money in the method of disposal; partnership working; social return on investment and wider social benefits of disposals; funding for recipients of disposals; and sustainability post-disposal, through building capacity. Includes case studies of good practice.
Cannon, John 2011. Valuing places: good practice in conservation area. English Heritage
Available on the internet at: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/valuing-places/valuing-places-good-practice-conservation-areas.pdf
Presents case studies of good practice in the management of conservation areas. Contends that conservation areas are an effective and popular means of preserving the character of places. Suggests that the process of effective conservation area management comprises the following steps: agreement on which elements of a place are of architectural or historical importance; the formulation of policies to protect these elements; and ensuring that new interventions enhance local distinctiveness and historic character. Sets out examples of good practice in the following areas: local engagement; establishing significance; management plans; strategic initiatives; local placemaking; public realm; and managing change.
Trow, Stephen; Tunnicliffe, Sarah. 2011. Knowing your place: heritage and community-led planning in the countryside. English Heritage
Available on the internet at: http://www.helm.org.uk/upload/pdf/Heritage_and_Community_Planning_Countryside_1.1.pdf?1299817501
Provides guidance on the incorporation of local heritage within plans that local communities are producing, reviewing or updating. Considers the benefits of including heritage in community-led plans. Looks at how to gather information on heritage. Recommends that plans should address the following areas: the surrounding landscape; village layout; historic buildings; places of worship; village character and townscape; green spaces; views and sight lines; conservation areas; and archaeological sites. Considers how to take advantage of opportunities to enhance the value of local heritage to the community which arise in the preparation of parish plans and village design statements. Discusses action in the following areas: risk and condition surveys; local listing and conservation areas; additional and new uses for historic buildings; action on conservation areas; taking ownership of community assets; improving care for places of worship; encouraging good design; skills and materials; affordable housing; energy efficiency; action to enhance the streetscape; enhancing other historic green spaces; maintaining heritage in the surrounding landscape; improving interpretation and understanding of local heritage; and funding. Provides advice on the development and presentation of plans.
CAG Consultants. 2011. Delivering for the environment in our communities: an audit of single outcome agreements. Scottish Environment LINK
Available on the internet at: http://www.scotlink.org/files/publication/LINKReports/LINKsoaReportAudit2011.pdf
Presents the findings of an audit of the extent to which sustainable development and environmental issues are being addressed in the 32 single outcome agreements (SOAs) dated 2009 onwards in Scotland. Considers ways in which SOAs and any successor arrangements can more effectively address sustainable development and environmental priorities. Presents the results of the research, looking at: the extent to which sustainable development is referenced and discussed within SOAs; the extent to which SOAs represent the 'step change' needed to achieve sustainability; the extent of integration between the delivery of different outcomes; and the extent to which 'crunch issues' are acknowledged and addressed. Looks at the number of SOAs that include outcomes and/or indicators for ten key topics: biodiversity; climate change; ecological/carbon footprint; waste; sustainable development education; historic environment; landscape; activity/health; recreational access; transport; and water. Finds that sustainable development is not widely seen as a strategic priority for Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) in Scotland, and does not appear to be widely understood, in SOAs or in guidance for SOAs, as a framework for policy development. Identifies some gaps in the coverage of environmental issues in SOAs, including climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, landscapes, the historic environment and the sustainable management of water resources. Sets out recommendations for policy makers and CPPs based on the research findings.
Holborow, Will; Lloyd James, Owain (eds): 2011. Pillars of the community: the transfer of local authority heritage assets
English Heritage
Available on the internet at: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/pillars-of-the-community-the-transfer-of-local-authority-heritage-assets/pillars-of-the-community-the-transfer-of-local-authority-heritage-assets/
Looks at how local authorities and community organisations can transfer property assets such as historic buildings, monuments, places or landscapes which have significance and are valued by the community. Highlights the legal, financial and regulatory issues involved in transferring assets. Outlines the context of asset transfer highlighting the influence of the 2007 Quirk Review, 'Making assets work' (PLANEX Ref. B4864). Provides detailed guidance, from the viewpoint of the local authority and the community respectively, with tips and checklists. Explains how local authorities can take stock of their heritage assets and formulate transfer strategies. Discusses the importance of providing opportunities and support for local groups involved in the transfer process. Explores how communities can develop successful projects, from assessing potential uses and assessing risks, to ensuring the project's long-term viability. Includes case studies and highlights good practice. Includes a glossary of terms and lists additional sources of advice and information. Notes that the guidance is also relevant to transfers from central government and other public bodies.
Cadw - Conservation principles
http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=21&NewsId=350
Historic Preservation & the Georgia Economy. Good News in Tough Times: Historic Preservation Georgia Economy.
Download the full pdf (1.44mb) or click here to view online. http://www.gashpo.org/content/displaycontent.asp?txtDocument=148
A new study has been released on the impact of historic preservation on the state's economy. Report findings show that historic preservation in Georgia spurs investment, attracts visitors, revitalizes downtowns, and effectively leverages scarce resources. Entitled Good News in Tough Times: Historic Preservation and the Georgia Economy, the study was prepared by Donovan Rypkema and Caroline Cheong of PlaceEconomics, a real estate and economic development consulting firm based in Washington, D.C.
Report findings show that historic preservation in Georgia spurs investment, attracts visitors, revitalizes downtowns, and effectively leverages scarce resources. Examples include the following:
• Through federal and state tax incentive programs that encourage the rehabilitation of historic buildings, DNR's Historic Preservation Division has helped contribute to the generation of 10,168 jobs and $420,046,800 in income to Georgia workers.
• Heritage tourism in Georgia sustains 117,000 jobs, generating nearly $204,000,000 in wages and $210,000,000 in local tax revenues.
• Nationally for every business that closes, 1.1-1.2 businesses open. National data available from 2004 to 2008 shows that Georgia's historic downtowns generated 2.8 - 4.6 business openings for every business that closed.
• Historic Macon Foundation (HMF), a preservation nonprofit, works to revitalize historic neighborhoods. HMF's work has brought 140 formally vacant historic homes back on the market and added $141,474 a year in additional tax receipts for the city. Over 2,000 jobs were created.
State Representative Susan D. Holmes (House District 125), former Mayor of Monticello, said "I've seen first hand the positive impact that preservation can have on a community's economy. This report supports what those of us involved in local economic development have known for a long time. Historic preservation, especially in this challenging budget environment, is key in our efforts to revitalize Georgia's historic downtowns and neighborhoods."
Dr. Dave Crass, director of DNR's Historic Preservation Division (HPD), added, "An earlier study produced in the 1990s (see below) confirmed that historic preservation does indeed make an economic difference to communities. This is an appropriate time to once again evaluate the importance of preserving and continuing to use Georgia's historic places. Good News in Tough Times presents a strong case."
Arts & Business figures reveal private investment in culture stands firm at height of recession
Benchmarking tool and interactive map: http://artsandbusiness.org.uk/Central/Research/Investment-and-funding/private_investment_culture_0910.aspx
* Overall decrease as total figure falls by 3% in real terms to £658m
* Business investment falls another 11% - third consecutive year of decrease to £144m
* Individual Philanthropy down 4% though still accounts for the majority (55%) of investment to £359m
* Trusts and Foundations overtake business investment for the first time since 2004 to £155m
Pacific Cultural Mapping, Planning and Policy Toolkit
Secretariat of the Pacific Community, New Caledonia, March 2011 (Author: Katerina Teaiwa and Colin Mercer, Format: PDF Document)
http://www.spc.int/hdp/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=107
The toolkit builds on the Cultural Mapping, Planning and Policy Workshop conducted for members of the Council for Pacific Arts and Culture in March 2010 at the SPC headquarters in Nouméa, New Caledonia. This workshop was the first activity of Structuring the Cultural Sector in the Pacific for Improved Human Development, a project administered by the Human Development Programme of SPC and funded by the European Commission. The project targets four specific but complementary and mutually supporting areas of the cultural sector: developing policy; promoting cultural industries; preserving cultural heritage; and building cultural relations within the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states (ACP).
This document is thus a resource for 'structuring the culture sector' in Pacific Island countries and territories. It draws on approaches from a variety of international models while attending to several issues and concerns relevant to the Pacific Island region specifically. Rather than providing a comprehensive overview of the cultural policy field, it is an open-ended resource for cultural policy consultants and workers who will fashion their own processes as appropriate to their local and national contexts. It is designed to complement other SPC cultural resources including the 'Policy Map' and 'Model Law' on TK which are available online.
IFACCA link lists newsletters from around the globe. IFACCA, 10 February 2011
Links to nearly 100 arts and cultural policy newsletters are now provided on the IFACCA website. Together with its other news-gathering activities, IFACCA staff members review every edition of this diverse range of newsletters to ensure that ACORNS is constantly providing you with the most relevant news. If you are aware of any other newsletters that provide high quality, internationally relevant news on developments in arts and cultural policy then please let us know at info@ifacca.org and we will consider including them in our database.
