Los Observatorios para Desarrollo Sostenibles en Manizales, Colombia
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Abstract
This article considers the Sustainable Development Observatories of Manizales, Colombia, as an example of shared management and citizen participation in local sustainable development. The success has been due to the active participation of the city municipality, university, trade unions, institutions, NGOs and community organisations. The purpose of the observatories is to support local urban governance by updating economic, social, and environmental indicators which are formulated by citizens and technical staff. This provides communities with easily accessible information about the municipality. The paper discusses in detail the objectives of the project, various aspects relating to its function, and challenges to its operation.