In its Geology for Planning programme,
UNESCAP is working towards inducing decision makers to take geological
factors into account, to improve the quality of land-use planning
and reduce the effects of natural hazards posed by earthquakes,
volcanism, ground subsidence and flooding. This is particularly
urgent for the coastal lowlands of the region, habitat to an estimated
1.7 billion people, and even more so for the urban centres, most
of which are located in the coastal zone. The programme strives
to convince geologists to present their data in a user-friendly
manner, readily understandable to the non-initiated. The resulting
thematic maps may, e.g., show zones of different seismic risk levels,
areas of adequate groundwater supply, safe sites for waste disposal,
locations of natural constructon materials, even zones with calculated
costs of construction per unit area, etc.
Based on our present inventory of the disastrous effects of ignoring
geology, the programme now aims to demonstrate that geological input,
albeit at a slow pace, is gradually being built into the planning
process. Several member countries have initiated a regular data
interchange between authorities and geologists - each is invited
to benefit from this opportunity.
The Atlas of Urban Geology series contains
the rationale as well as some case histories from Asia and the Pacific
region. Some recent volumes are:
Interested persons please contact Mr. Hub Van Wees at wees.unescap@un.org
Related links:
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