MEDINT
As one of the first thematic networks approved MEDINT has
shown the importance of local working for effective
networking. This network was established with the aim
of having few key exchange meetings where all partners
came together but more local forum meetings in each
partner city bringing together all sectors to create groups
which are sustainable after the network is complete.
This structure has provided a much stronger local impact
with more local actors participating in the network than in
other networks.
The theme of integrated approach allowed the city
participants to bring together key urban actors from
all sectors at a local level and reported the findings of these
groups at 3 key exchange meetings.
MEDINT’s starting point was that the integrated approach is
the best strategy to solve problems of sustainable urban
development across Europe.
Local Forums have been a central and driving activity of the
network and produced many of the strongest results. Based
on an active dialogue between inhabitants, municipality
personnel, businesses, and elected representatives prior
to effectively start any urban project, Local Forums were a
new concept to many of the cities. Its success in the MEDINT
experiment has underlined the essential need for
interchanges between inhabitants and municipalities,
but also the need for exchanges between all levels of actors
– public and private sectors, citizens, voluntary sector –
to guarantee the future development of European cities.
The results of the local forums were brought together into
a final report on the Integrated Approach in Mediterranean
Local Development.