Certu
CERTU is a technical agency of the French ministry for energy, ecology and sustainable planning and development (MEEDDAT). It was created in Lyon in February 1994. The main objective of CERTU is to buid up and share knowledge and methodologies available on a broad variety of urban issues. CERTU has already published more than 900 books, CD-Roms and software programmes.CERTU constitues a link between the research world on the one hand and practioners on the other hand. It also acts as an interface between stakeholders at national and local levels.CERTU is part of the minstry‘s scientific network which is composed of national institutes and 7 regional centres working in close collaboration on issues relating to infrastructure, transport and spatial planning. The regional centres provide CERTU with local data, by carrying out case studies and is at its request. The network thereby constitues a unique resource for CERTU.
Situation
From a French point of view, the struggle against urban sprawl and the implementation of integrated urban development are major issues. Although France has developped interesting tools for intermunicipal governance (intermunicipal cooperation) and spatial planning at different levels, integrated land use management still remains important to promote.
Challenges
Promoting methodologies and knowledge for the State and for local authorities. The CERTU will highly benefit from European experience by linking its large national networks with the European ones CERTU will contribute to and join.
Related Good Practices