Draft: June 10, 2003
Proposal for CitNet Web Publication on Sustainability in New York City
Working Title: "Bringing Downtown to Life: Citizens Suggestions for Sustainability In New York City"
Description of activity
Using the new list server for New York [nyc-sustdev], CitNet would compile information about sustainability, including examples of projects, policy recommendations, and profiles of people and organizations working on sustainability in NYC. The information (or some portion of it) would be posted on the CitNet web site in a format that would allow people to download all or part of it to use for electronic presentations and hard-copy publications (using color photocopying).
Content and format of publication
There would be a cover, an introduction by CitNet discussing aspects of sustainable development nationally, internationally and locally, and short submissions (2-3 pages each) from a variety of people engaged in promoting sustainability in New York.
Each submission would contain: (1) a brief statement describing the person or organization's role and involvement in sustainable development; (2) text outlining key activities, priorities, projects, visions, obstacles, and recommendations; and (3) photos, drawings, diagrams and other graphics.
The submissions posted on the CitNet website would need to be brief and laid out in a way that would promote reader interest in the topic. CitNet would work with contributors on editing and layout suggestions. The contributors would need to relinquish copyright restrictions on the use of their work in order to allow others to download their submissions from the web site for use in presentations and pamphlets about sustainability in NYC. The CitNet web site could be linked, however, to other web sites where readers could find additional information, and where people's proprietary ideas could be displayed.
Rationale
There are quite a few people and groups in New York working on various activities relating to sustainability in New York, but many of them are not in contact with each other. The CitNet list server and web site publication can be used as vehicles for informing interested people about what others are doing, planning or thinking, and potentially catalyzing more coordinated action on sustainable development. Ideas and activities that make sense in New York are likely to be applicable in other cities as well, in the US and around the world, and success in incorporating sustainable design principles into plans for rebuilding Lower Manhattan will help build a much greater audience for sustainable development concepts.
Focus
This proposal represents an extension of CitNet's involvement with the Civic Alliance to Rebuild Downtown New York. It will draw initially on contributions by members of the Civic Alliance,
especially those active on the Green Buildings and Sustainable Development Committee, but is meant to be a tool for wider public participation in discussions about the future of New York City. Although much of the work of the Civic Alliance is focused on the areas of downtown Manhattan near the World Trade Center site, the principles of sustainable development require planners to take a broader view that encompasses the needs of people in the entire metropolitan area (and the rest of the world).
Resource requirements
Many people have been volunteering their time and professional expertise in order to have an positive impact on the recovery and future of New York City. Some have prepared well-articulated recommendations and presentations that could be easily adapted for submission to the CitNet web publication. Others will need to do some more work to put together their contributions.
Besides the list server and the web site, CitNet can provide a certain amount of writing, editing and administrative oversight. Funding for that work would allow the web publication to take shape more quickly than if it is done only on a volunteer basis. In addition, CitNet will need assistance with graphic design and layout. The web publication will be designed so that selected segments can be downloaded, copied and collated for use in different contexts. Organizations sponsoring relevant events could produce as many copies of the publication as they needed, or could afford. Â
Organizing group
The Citizens Network for Sustainable Development (CitNet) is an independent, non-profit network bringing together communities, organizations and individuals working on sustainability issues across the US. It was established in October 1990 to coordinate citizens participation in the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the ‘Earth Summit') and has been active in coordinating involvement of US citizens and public interest groups attending the yearly sessions of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development and other international meetings.
At the local and regional level, CitNet works to provide a framework for information-sharing and collaboration, promote meaningful citizen participation in decision-making, and support sustainable community activities. For more information, go to <www.citnet.org>.
Project coordinator
Gail Karlsson is a lawyer specializing in international environmental law and policy. She has worked since 1997 as a consultant to the UN Development Programme on sustainable energy and climate change issues. As a representative of CitNet, she was an advisor on the US delegation to the UN Commission on Sustainable Development from 1998-2000. She lives in lower Manhattan and has actively contributed to the work of the Civic Alliance to Rebuild Downtown New York, especially emphasizing the importance of green building design and sustainable infrastructure systems.
Contact information
Gail Karlsson
258 Broadway 5A, New York, NY 10007
(212) 267-4239Â Fax (212) 587-1148
g.karlsson@att.net
