The PACTE+ Matrix: A Catalyst for Cities Moving Toward an Active and Sustainable Future

As urban areas experience unprecedented growth, challenges related to rapid urbanization, such as traffic congestion, pollution, and sedentary lifestyles, are becoming increasingly apparent. Concurrently, the impacts of climate change are forcing cities to rethink their infrastructure and policies to ensure resilience and sustainability. Public health concerns, particularly those linked to chronic diseases caused by inactivity, further emphasize the need for cities to promote active living. In this context, the PACTE+ Matrix offers a structured yet flexible framework that enables cities to systematically design, evaluate, and refine their action plans.

The Benefits of Using the PACTE+ Matrix

The PACTE+ Matrix is a tool designed to help municipalities transform into Active Cities by leveraging their potential as promoters of physical activity, sports, and healthy living. This interactive and easy-to-use tool allows municipalities to:

– assess their current status against proven elements,

– identify relevant actions,

– build a customized Action Plan to become an Active City.

The results are immediately presented as an Action Plan, summarizing key elements and activities to implement an Active City strategy.

The Five Key Components of the PACTE+ Matrix

The PACTE+ Matrix is built on a multidimensional approach that integrates various aspects of urban planning and public health. This approach aims to foster cross-sector collaboration, community engagement, and evidence-based decision-making. The Matrix identifies five key areas of success, each representing a crucial element in the process of change:

1. Knowledge and Awareness: This area emphasizes the importance of disseminating information and raising awareness about the importance of active living within the community.

2. Programs and Events: This involves the implementation of initiatives and activities aimed at encouraging the population’s regular participation in physical activities.

3. Spaces and Places: This area focuses on creating and designing accessible and attractive public spaces that promote physical activity.

4. Cooperation and Partnership: The Matrix encourages collaboration among various local stakeholders to maximize the impact of the initiatives and policies implemented.

5. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: This final area stresses the importance of regularly evaluating the actions taken and adjusting them based on the results to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability.

Make your action plan

A Strategy for Sustainable Change

The strategy underpinning the PACTE+ Matrix is both comprehensive and adaptable, allowing cities to address the specific challenges they face. By integrating the five key areas, the Matrix helps municipalities create a structured Action Plan that not only evaluates past achievements but also clarifies future goals. This strategy enables cities to stay focused on their objectives while remaining flexible in the face of changes and new opportunities.

In conclusion, by using the PACTE+ Matrix, municipalities can not only enhance the quality of life for their residents but also contribute to broader environmental and public health goals, thereby reinforcing their position as leaders in promoting active and sustainable lifestyles.