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URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC: A REGIONAL OVERVIEW
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| Author(s):
Environment and Development Division (EDD)
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| Economic Sector(s):
(1) Policies, planning and legislation; (2) Management and rehabilitation; (3) Awareness and education |
| ESCAP Reference
No.: ST/ESCAP/2387 |
| Division/Office:
Environment and Development |
| Published Date:
28 December 2005 |
| Country:
{Non-country Specific Publication} |
| Hard Copy Price:
N/A
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| In the ESCAP region, the urban population is expected to reach 2.23 billion by 2020, constituting 55 per cent of the region’s total projected population and making it the largest urban population in the world. As rapid urbanization is expected to continue it offers both opportunities for, and challenges to local, national and regional socio-economic and environmental sustainability. The environmental impact of urban centres extends well beyond city boundaries; at the same time urbanization processes are tied to developments in the rural sector, and vice-versa. Urban settlements offer hope by reducing the cost of delivery of basic services and by limiting the per capita impact on the environment. However, this potential can only be realized through urban governance that addresses not only socio-economic sustainability, but also on environmental sustainability.
The future of the Asia-Pacific region will depend largely on how successfully the cities function as systems. Cities in the region have implemented innovative policies, practices and strategies towards achieving sustainable development at the local level. With local government powers, authorities, duties and functions being largely legislated, administrative reforms seek to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of local service delivery through improving resource allocation and integrating civil services. In implementing such reforms, effective urban environmental governance essentially requires a holistic view, and is becoming increasingly dependent upon the participation of civil society in the decision-making and implementation process.
The publication also highlights international programmes which provides practical tools and instruments for capacity building at the city level, disseminates information on specific local initiatives and practices, and offers platforms for inter-city cooperation. The increasing availability of such opportunities is making it more possible to replicate successful experiences across the region.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Chapter I: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
Chapter II: STATUS OF URBANIZATION IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC........................... 5
Chapter III: THE URBAN STRUCTURE................................................................................. 9
Chapter IV: URBAN GOVERNANCE IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC................................. 14
Chapter V: CURRENT ASIA PACIFIC URBAN GOVERNANCE MODELS/SYSTEMS....30
Chapter VI: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES.......................................................... 44
Chapter VII: LESSONS LEARNED AND THE WAY FORWARD .......................................58 |
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