Introduction
UN-Habitat started the implementation of the project "Development of sustainable and resilient cities and communities in Neuquen Argentine Province", together with the Secretariat of Planning and Action for Development (COPADE) of the Government of the Province of Neuquén and financed by the Federal Investment Council of the Argentine Republic (CFI).
The project includes different products and is done in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in charge of strengthening the different institutions in the implementation of Decree 1320/21 on the promotion of public works with sustainability criteria; and UN Women, responsible for implementing the costing methodology for care infrastructure at the local level and the training program to mainstream the gender perspective and intersectionality in the public works cycle.
UN-Habitat focuses on products related to capacity building, public space, and the development of four territorial development plans using Our City Plans methodology for the municipalities of Las Lajas, Plaza Huincul, El Huecú and Aluminé.
Context and background
The province of Neuquen is located in the northeast of Patagonia region, and has 726, 590 inhabitants. Plaza Huincul belongs to the Confluencia department, where Neuquen Capital is located, and in the East Microregion. It is located in the route of the South Transatlantic Train. Along with Cutral Co, the adjacent municipality, it is on the productive axis of the province and entail a logistical node than will orient its development. The area also develops hydrocarbon activity of oil and gas and includes one of the largest petroleum refineries in the country, "El Mangrullo".
Plan and process using Our City Plans
The planning process will use Our City Plans Central America toolbox as a guide, including participatory activities and workshops with the community, local officials, and other relevant actores. The aim is to develop an urban and territorial development plan that focuses on the main challenges and opportunities of this municipality. It will define a future vision for Plaza Huincul, and include the definition of strategic development zones, goals and strategies, and a portfolio of strategic projects.
