The Collaborative Networks are one of the two activities of the Quebec Roadmap.  They offer a unique platform to exchange knowledge, to promote shared learning and collective problem-solving, and jointly tackle the complex challenges faced by historic urban areas. These networks especially aim to:

1. Bring Cities Together: Foster dialogue among cities with shared priorities, enabling them to share experiences and co-develop strategies.
2. Promote Collective Action: Develop actionable solutions aligned with the strategic axes of the Quebec Roadmap: Requalify the Habitat, Refresh the city, Transform Mobility, and Regenerate the Urban Environment
3. Strengthen Community Engagement: Encourage cities to incorporate the insights and contributions of diverse stakeholders, including local communities, into the urban development process.

In 2023-2024 twelve Collaborative Networks have been active (see lists below). Their outcomes have been developed during the Symposium on the Habitability in Historic Centres. The active Collaborative Networks (see section below) pursuing their works in 2025 and 2026 will add their contributions to the New Urban Project process through the Community of Practice.

How to participate

All OWHC member cities are encouraged to take an active role in the Collaborative Networks, whether by initiating new Networks or contributing to those currently active.

To learn more or to join a Collaborative Network, please contact us at [email protected]

Active Collaborative Networks

Bruges – Belgium – Intangible heritage as a resource for urban rehabilitation
Learn more about the Collaborative Network’s ongoing work

Brussels – Belgium – Protecting and strengthening the residential function of the city’s historic centers
Learn more about the Collaborative Network’s ongoing work

Cuenca – Ecuador – Irregular architectural interventions that diminish the heritage values
Learn more about the Collaborative Network’s ongoing work

Dubrovnik – Croatia – Regulation of traffic within the buffer zone of the world heritage site
Learn more about the Collaborative Network’s ongoing work

Evora (SRESM) – Portugal – Crafts and Traditional Know-How for the Preservation of Heritage
Learn more about the Collaborative Network’s ongoing work

Morelia – Mexico – Protected buildings in a state of abandonment
Learn more about the Collaborative Network’s ongoing work

Past Collaborative Networks

Bordeaux – France – Greening and space planning for urban refreshment
Learn more about the Collaborative Network’s outcomes

Colonia del Sacramento – Uruguay – Raising Awareness and Disseminating Heritage Information to the Local Community
Learn more about the Collaborative Network’s outcomes

Krakow – Poland – Greening public spaces
Learn more about the Collaborative Network’s outcomes

Marrakesh – Morocco – Regeneration of the historic core through the preservation, valorization and awareness of heritage
Learn more about the Collaborative Network’s outcomes

Puebla – Mexico – Rejuvenating the historic center through an active mobility model
Learn more about the Collaborative Network’s outcomes

Québec – Canada – Pacified mobility: Street planning and sharing between different users and mobility modes
Learn more about the Collaborative Network’s outcomes