Public participation mechanisms and sustainable policy-making: a case study analysis of Mexico City's Plan Verde

Abstract

Mexico City has gained an international reputation for its ground-breaking approach to sustainability as a result of policies implemented during the Marcelo Ebrard administration (2006–2012). In this paper, we examine the development and implementation of the Plan Verde de la Ciudad de México (Green Plan), the 15-year policy aimed to transform Mexico City into the most progressive and sustainable city in Latin America. Key to the plan's success, it was claimed, would be the active participation of stakeholders from all levels of society. Drawing on documentary material and interviews, we argue that whilst the plan did have a significant impact on the environmental sustainability of the megacity, it failed to include effective citizen participation mechanisms. As predicted by several members of the Green Plan Monitoring and Assessment Board, this lack of representation, alongside other failures, appears to have facilitated the premature demise of the plan under the new administration.

Keywords:

• megacities
• sustainability
• civic environmentalism
• Plan Verde
• Mexico City

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to all those who contributed to this research, in particular, the CESPV members and SMA representatives without whom it would not have been possible.

Disclosure statement

Madero received a scholarship for the MSc, granted by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACYT) (2010-2011).

Notes

1. It is necessary to note that geographical distance from the research site prohibited face-to-face interviews; however, James and Busher (2006) and Sturges and Hanrahan (2004) highlight the advantages of email and telephone interviews, respectively.