Sustainable Development Observatories in Manizales, Colombia (PLA 45)

Looking at sustainable development planning within local government, this paper assesses the use of observatories, whereby development direction and objectives are constantly monitored and updated. These observatories encourage input from interested parties (citizens, local organisations and institutions) to promote integrated management. The author addresses frequently asked questions and challenges to such a system.

Participatory Learning and Action (PLA, formerly PLA Notes) is the world's leading series on participatory learning and action approaches and methods. PLA publishes articles on participation aimed at practitioners, researchers, academics and activists. All articles are peer-reviewed by an international editorial board.

This article was published in PLA 45: Community-based animal healthcare (October 2002).