Le bambine e i bambini come soggetti attivi della cura dei luoghi: il caso del Contratto di Fiume Ombrone

Children have long been recognised as full thinkers and involved in episodic participatory experiences. However, in territorial governance practices they are often understood as mere users of a dedicated space. Children have long been recognised as capable thinkers and active participants in shared educational experiences. However, in spatial planning practices they are often viewed as mere users of a dedicated space. This contribution presents an action-research experience that retraces the empowerment process of the children in a municipality. It does so through the restitution of the projects resulting from the co-construction of a River Agreement. The aim is to adopt a new perspective that views children as agents of transformation, as active members of the community and its empowerment process, advocates for recognition pathways, and stewards of commons. To this end, the conclusions suggest promoting cooperative planning models with a social function that welcomes children as active participants in the care of public spaces and the promotion of social initiatives.