Participatory practices for the protection and improvement of public and common property in the Sava quay area in New Belgrade

The paper deals with the research of participatory activities of citizens in the area of the Sava quay in New Belgrade between 2013 and 2023. The focus is on the initiatives of the residents of blocks 44, 45, 70 and 70a, who reacted to the violation of public spaces due to illegal construction, commercialization and neglect by the relevant institutions. Using case study methodology, data were collected through an analysis of available sources, interviews, focus groups and observations. The research covers various aspects of participatory practices, including their motivations, organization and implementation, as well as their results at the levels of an individual, community and wider society. The results show that citizens have developed a variety of strategies to defend public spaces, including protests, petitions, public forums, labor actions, and community information campaigns. Digital tools, such as social networks, have played a key role in mobilizing and raising awareness of the problems related to degradation of natural and urban space. Although the activities often encountered resistance from private interests and institutional passivity, their persistence resulted in increased visibility of the problem and partial success in protecting key public spaces. These practices highlight the importance of civic engagement in the democratization of the decision-making process and the preservation of the public interest. In addition to their local importance, the activities on the Sava quay have wider implications as an example of good practice of participatory action. They shed light on current issues, such as the management of public spaces, the protection of natural resources and the role of citizens in the decision-making process. The paper concludes that participatory practices are not only a reaction to current challenges but also a means for long-term empowerment of communities, creation of sustainable urban development and preservation of democratic values. These findings can serve as inspiration for other local communities facing similar challenges.