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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
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Integrating Procedural Justice in Coastal Climate Adaptation: A Case Study of Køge Bay Strandpark

Author

Term

4. term

Publication year

2024

Submitted on

Pages

65

Abstract

Kystområder står over for klimaforandringer, men planlægningen af kysttilpasning bliver ofte kritiseret for svag interessentinddragelse og manglende klimaretfærdighed. Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan interessentinddragelse kan sikre processuel retfærdighed – altså retfærdige, gennemsigtige og inkluderende beslutningsprocesser – med Køge Bay Strandparks re-moderniseringsprojekt som case. Hovedspørgsmålet er, hvordan inddragelse kan understøtte processuel retfærdighed, når Naturbaserede løsninger (NBS) fungerer som ramme. NBS betyder at arbejde med naturens egne processer, fx klitter eller vådområder, for at håndtere klimarisici. Tre delspørgsmål belyser: hvilke kriterier der kendetegner god processuel retfærdighed, hvordan lokale beboere oplever retfærdighed i projektet, og hvordan andre interessenter vurderer processen. Undersøgelsen bruger en blandet metode-tilgang med både kvalitative og kvantitative data: spørgeskemaer, semistrukturerede interviews og dokumentanalyse. Resultaterne peger på et tydeligt gab mellem idealer og praksis, bl.a. på grund af begrænsede ressourcer, bureaukratiske udfordringer og sociokulturelle barrierer. For at bygge bro over dette gab kræves en pragmatisk og kontekstspecifik indsats, herunder målrettet opsøgende arbejde, tildeling af ressourcer og støtte til deltagelse samt løbende monitorering og evaluering af inddragelsespraksis. Erfaringerne fra Køge Bay Strandpark viser, at teoretiske principper kan kobles til konkrete greb i praksis og dermed bidrage til mere modstandsdygtige og retfærdige bymiljøer. Afhandlingen bidrager til debatten om klimaretfærdighed og bæredygtig byplanlægning og understreger, at inkluderende og transparente beslutningsprocesser er afgørende for både social lighed og miljømæssig bæredygtighed.

Coastal areas are adapting to climate change, yet planning often falls short on meaningful stakeholder engagement and climate justice. This thesis examines how stakeholder engagement can ensure procedural justice—fair, transparent, and inclusive decision-making—with a focus on the re-modernization project at Køge Bay Strandpark. The main question asks how engagement can support procedural justice when Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are used as a guiding framework. NBS means working with natural systems, such as dunes or wetlands, to manage climate risks. Three sub-questions address: the criteria for strong procedural justice, local residents’ perceptions of fairness in the project, and the perspectives of other stakeholders. The study uses a mixed-methods design, combining qualitative and quantitative data through surveys, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. Findings highlight a clear gap between ideals and practice, driven by limited resources, bureaucratic hurdles, and socio-cultural barriers. Bridging this gap calls for pragmatic, context-specific action, including targeted outreach, providing resources and support for participation, and continuously monitoring and evaluating engagement practices. The Køge Bay Strandpark project illustrates how theoretical principles can be aligned with practical strategies to build more resilient and equitable urban environments. The thesis contributes to broader discussions on climate justice and sustainable urban planning, emphasizing that inclusive and transparent decision-making is essential for social equity and environmental sustainability.

[This summary has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]