Gardening governance: CSO-government dynamics in Shanghai's urban renewal

This paper explores the intricate dynamics of civil society organization (CSO)-government relationships through the lens of community gardens as governance spaces in Shanghai, drawing on theoretical foundations from Urban Political Ecology and everyday governance theory. Framing gardens as experimental arenas for ‘gardening governance’, the study conceptualizes them not as environmental interventions but also as sites for negotiating power, participation, and governance strategies. Through empirical studies of three representative community garden projects initiated by a local CSO in Shanghai, this study reveals how political, practical, and personal spheres, as well as their interactions, shape the evolving dynamics between CSOs and local governments. By bridging macro-level governance structures with micro-level practices, the research highlights CSOs' pivotal role in mediating between the state and local communities. While challenges such as power asymmetries persist, the findings challenge the conventional perceptions of China's state-dominated urban governance. This study offers critical insights for urban planners and policymakers seeking to leverage community gardens as pathways for inclusive urban renewal and sustainable transitions.