Building sustainability from below: Grassroots responses to global challenges in monotowns

Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Faculty of Architecture, LT-01118 Vilnius, Lithuania

Abstract

The study examines grassroots initiatives in Visaginas, Lithuania, a post-industrial town undergoing structural transformation after the closure of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. It is an example of a shrinking town - urban areas facing demographic decline, economic decline, and social problems. The focus is on the potential for local action to advance a post-carbon future in the face of social vulnerability and resource constraints. The analysis considers social, cultural, and spatial challenges and the impact of grassroots initiatives in shaping local narratives of sustainable development. Results show that grassroots initiatives strengthen social ties, promote cultural and environmental interaction, and redefine the city as a space for sustainable development. Particular attention is given to the synergy between local actors and professionals. Key barriers to long-term sustainability and scalability are also identified. The study's novelty lies in integrating urban analysis with an assessment of the transformative potential of local action in a multicultural post-industrial context. Practical value lies in identifying factors that promote or hinder the sustainability of such initiatives and identifying mechanisms adaptable to other shrinking cities going through similar transitions. The case of Visaginas is an example of the potential application of “resilience from below” in sustainable urban development.