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Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region: Papers on “Inclusive cities,” “Migration and Refugees in Urban Areas,” and “Land Structure, Process, and Outcome,” for UN-Habitat (ROAS) and United Nations (ESCWA), 2015-2016

Abstract

In 2016, the Institute for International Urban Development (I2UD), led by Mona Serageldin and François Vigier, acted as main contributor to a report, “Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region,” implemented under the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).

Topics include “Inclusive cities,” “Migration and Refugees in Urban Areas,” and “Land Structure, Process, and Outcome.” Documents are a range of preliminary draft materials, expert group meeting materials, and full report. Presentations are from Expert Group Meetings in Beirut and Cairo, and for the May 2017 ICNUP Conference. Two draft issue papers from 2015 were presented at the Habitat III conference in Quito, Ecuador in October 2016.

Project Year:2015
Project Type:Regional Report
Geographic Regions:Beirut, Lebanon and Cairo, Egypt (Meeting Locations) / Quito, Ecuador (Conference Location)
Reports:














Authors:Mona Serageldin; FrançoisVigier; Barbara Summers; Maren Larsen; Johann Friedl
Sponsors:UN-Habitat; United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA); UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS)
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:2015_10_003

Related I2UD Projects

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

“The Unplanned Areas Upgrading and Employment Enhancing Programme in Egypt,” Needs Assessment and Activity Design Study for Informal Settlements in Cairo, Giza Governorates, Egypt, 2011-2016

“GCC Regional Spatial Strategy – Elements and Considerations,” Urban Development Plan, UN-Habitat Gulf States Regional Office Workshops, 2013

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region: Papers on “Inclusive cities,” “Migration and Refugees in Urban Areas,” and “Land Structure, Process, and Outcome,” for UN-Habitat (ROAS) and United Nations (ESCWA), 2015-2016

Galleries 6-7 – Egypt: Cairo and Helwan, 1986, 1990

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“Arusha City Resilience Index Pilot Program” for the Tanzanian Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Arusha, Tanzania, 2015

Abstract

The “Arusha City Resilience Index Pilot Program” established an accessible, evidence-based definition of urban resilience in Arusha, Tanzania, culminating in the publication of the City Resilience Framework (CRF) in July 2015.

The City Resilience Index from 2015 aimed to measure and assess to what extent a city is achieving its resilience goals. The City Index (CRI) was developed by International Development non-project branch of Ove Arup & Partners International Ltd with support from the Rockefeller Foundation. The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development in Arusha, Tanzania was one of five municipalities to participate in the CRI pilot program to test the feasibility and utility of the Index in different contexts around the world.

As part of the Program, I2UD staff performed an initial review of the Index to develop a work plan for the pilot program and to contextualize urban planning in Arusha. The team managed a task force of local authorities to collect qualitative and quantitative data related to the four dimensions of resilience: (Health and well-being, Economy and society, Infrastructure and environment, and Leadership and strategy). Finally, I2UD experts analyzed data collection outputs to produce an internal report assessing the indicators and data collection process and provided recommendations for improving the Index. I2UD also interviewed key community stakeholders from a wide range of disciplines, and facilitated a stakeholder workshop to perform a qualitative assessment of urban resilience in Arusha.

Documents include a CRI Introduction, an I2UD Schedule, and a Master Plan Stage II “Socio-Economic Report” and “Preliminary Visioning and Programming Report”. Supporting documents include a Technical Working Group Meeting Agenda.


[Excerpt: CRI Introduction, July 2015]

“Urban populations are facing increasing challenges from numerous natural and manmade pressures such as rapid urbanization, climate change, terrorism and increased risks from natural hazards. Cities must learn to adapt and thrive in the face of these diverse challenges – they must learn how to build resilience in an uncertain world. Armed with this knowledge and understanding, governments, donors, investors, policy makers, and the private sector will be able to develop effective strategies to foster more resilient cities.”

Project Year:2015
Project Type:Workshop
Geographic Regions:Arusha, Tanzania
Reports:

Arusha CRI Pilot Program: CRI Introduction (July 2015)


Arusha CRI Pilot Program: I2UD Schedule (August 2015)


Arusha CRI Pilot Program: Master Plan Stage II Preliminary Visioning and Programming Report (August 2015)


Arusha CRI Pilot Program: Master Plan Stage II Socio Economic Report (August 2015)


Arusha CRI Pilot Program: Technical Working Group Meeting Agenda (September 2015)

Authors:Andrew Charles (Ove Arup & Partners International Ltd); Alejandra Mortarini; Barbara Summers;
Sponsors:Rockefeller Foundation
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:2015_08_001
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“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

Abstract

I2UD produced a regional assessment report of National Urban Policies (NUPs) in Arab States in 2014, to describe and analyze contextual factors and the evolution of policies in major Arab states. The assessment included five in-depth case studies of NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, which reflect the geographical diversity in the area, as well as current policy objectives, opportunities and challenges in implementation for the region.

In a related report from April 2016, Mona Serageldin and François Vigier addressed a broader scope of NUPs, including European and global factors, in a paper titled “National Urban Policies and the Role of Sub-national Governments.”

Case study analysis focused on cross-cutting themes of compact and connected cities, inclusive cities, and climate-resilient cities. The final outputs included these case studies, a regional synthesis report, and a table of country profiles in relation to national urban policies.

Documents include an initial expression of interest, inception report, case studies for each country, final assessments, an executive summary, annexes and methodological notes, and an additional memo on informal settlements in Egypt.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:2014
Project Type:Regional Report
Geographic Regions:Egypt / Jordan / Morocco / Saudi Arabia / Sudan
Reports:
NUP in Arab States: (Full Report, February 2017)

NUP in Arab States: (Expression of Interest, August 2014)

NUP in Arab States: (Inception Report, March 2015)

NUP in Arab States: Methodology for UN Habitat

NUP in Arab States: Executive Summary (Serageldin and Vigier, April 2016)

NUP in Arab States: UN Habitat Partnership with the Arab States

NUP in Arab States: Informal Settlements in Egypt (Memo)

NUP in Arab States: Annex 1 Country Profiles

NUP in Arab States: Case Study Method and Analysis Guide for National Urban Policies

Case Studies:
NUP in Arab States: Egypt (Case Study)

NUP in Arab States: Sudan (Case Study)

NUP in Arab States: Saudi Arabia (Case Study)

NUP in Arab States: Jordan (Case Study)

NUP in Arab States: Morocco (Case Study)

NUP in Arab States: (Final Assessment Report)
Authors:Mona Serageldin; François Vigier; Maren Larsen; Lucie Charles
Sponsors:United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat)
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:2014_08_001

Related I2UD Projects


“Planning for Climate Adaptation Program” for Four Dominican Republic Municipalities: Santo Domingo National District, Santiago de los Caballeros, San Pedro de Macoris, and Las Terrenas, 2015

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

“Arusha Urbanization Strategy and Urban Development Plan,” Development Strategy for Arusha Municipality, Tanzania, 2009-2012

ICLRD: Urban Reconciliation Case Studies for Public Housing Estates in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with Study Profile on the Basel Metropolitan Area, 2010-2012

Executive Training Course 2006: “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure Development,” Workshop Curriculum with Case Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, 2006

IEP 2003: “Infrastructure and Partnerships for Local Economic Development” in Pretoria and Bloemfontein, South Africa, International Education Programs, 2003

IEP 2002: “Strategic Planning for Local Development & Urban Revitalization,” Program Overview, International Education Programs, 2002

Workshops on “Strategic Planning and Management of Municipal Infrastructure Programs,” from Review of Grant-Funded MIPs in South Africa, May-June 1999

“Housing Microfinance Initiatives,” Case Study for USAID Microenterprise Best Practices Initiative, 1999-2000

ITP 1998: “The Role of Public/Private Partnerships in Urban Improvements,” with Case Studies on Kreuzberg, Berlin (Germany), GIS Mapping on Cape Cod (US) and the Maarouf Quarter of Cairo (Egypt), 1998

“City of Szczecin Capital Improvement Program,” Case Studies for Technical Assistance Program, Szczecin, Poland, 1996

ITP 1994: “Revitalization in Older Urban Spaces,” Upham’s Corner, Dorchester, Boston, South Boston, and New Haven (US); Montpellier (France); and Cork (Ireland) with Case Studies, International Education Programs, 1994

“Introduction to Local Finances,” Teaching Monographs and Case Studies on Finance Management, by Visiting Lecturer David C. Jones, 1994-1999

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

“The Unplanned Areas Upgrading and Employment Enhancing Programme in Egypt,” Needs Assessment and Activity Design Study for Informal Settlements in Cairo, Giza Governorates, Egypt, 2011-2016

“GCC Regional Spatial Strategy – Elements and Considerations,” Urban Development Plan, UN-Habitat Gulf States Regional Office Workshops, 2013

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region: Papers on “Inclusive cities,” “Migration and Refugees in Urban Areas,” and “Land Structure, Process, and Outcome,” for UN-Habitat (ROAS) and United Nations (ESCWA), 2015-2016

Galleries 6-7 – Egypt: Cairo and Helwan, 1986, 1990

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“Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Framework,” Development Strategy for Cartagena, Colombia and Condega, Nicaragua, 2012

Abstract

In 2012, I2UD assisted the municipalities of Cartagena, Colombia and Condega, Nicaragua to develop a “Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency” urban planning framework. The projects provided context for research on physical and social climate change vulnerabilities in informal settlements in vulnerable areas of Colombia and Nicaragua.

In partnership with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, the I2UD study team addressed changes in land policies to foster adaptation measures and facilitate their implementation, assess social vulnerabilities and make institutional considerations. Lack of enforcement for housing or service regulations, poor quality construction, and environmental degradation increase vulnerabilities to climate change in both regions. Although the two municipalities had undertaken risk assessments, neither had specifically addressed the special vulnerabilities in informal settlement areas to floods and landslides resulting from climate change.

Documents include the final report from January 2014, followed by earlier concept papers, research presentations, report elements on Cartagena and Condega, and a curriculum outline. A final report is available in Spanish.



[Excerpt: Final Report, “Increasing the Resilience of Informal Settlements to Climate Change in Two Latin American Cities: Condega and Cartagena.” I2UD, January 2014.]

ABSTRACT
“The conceptual framework for the research is based on the documentation of climate change effects and adaptation approaches by the International Panel on Climate Change but it focuses on risks in informal and lower-income settlements. It adapts basic guidelines that apply fundamental principles found in current climate and urban planning literature to these settlements. Despite IPCC warnings, many cities in the developing world are taking a reactive approach to climate change, only addressing impacts when they become emergencies. A strategic approach fostering adaptation is needed to address the multiple dimensions of risk faced by urban settlements, particularly lower-income communities, and build their resilience. Underlying causes of vulnerability include the lack of developable, serviced urban land, unplanned urbanization and limited public resources, all of which arise from ineffective management of land as a valuable asset, a creator of development potential and a generator of public revenues.”

“Two case studies document and evaluate the strategies adopted by the cities of Condega, Nicaragua and Cartagena, Colombia to reduce climate change related risks in informal and lower-income settlements, and assess remaining sources of risk. The proposed land-based policies, instruments, and projects – some conventional and some more innovative – are intended to better prepare the communities through both remedial and preventive adaptation measures.”

Project Year:2012
Project Type:Risk Assessment and Local Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Cartagena, Colombia / Condega, Nicaragua
Reports:
Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Framework: (Final Report, January 2014)

—

Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Framework: (Concept Paper)

Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Framework: World Urban Forum (Presentation, 2014)

Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Framework: (Presentation Text)

Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Framework: Cartagena (Presentation)

Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Framework: Condega (Presentation)

Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Framework: (Curriculum Outline)

Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Framework: (Final Report, Spanish, January 2014)

Authors:Mona Serageldin; Warren Hagist; Carolina Morgan; Alejandra Mortarini; Mauricio Rodriguez Gomez; Luis Sevilla Fajardo; Alfredo Stein;
Sponsors:Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:2012_10_001
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“Belize Municipal Development Plan,” Urban Growth Plans for Corozal, Orange Walk, Benque Viejo, San Ignacio & Santa Elena, Belmopan, Dangriga and Punta Gorda, Belize, 2012-2014

Abstract

Between 2012-2014, the I2UD team worked to improve the urban planning capacity of Belize, by developing Municipal Development Plans (MDPs) for seven municipal governments: Corozal, Orange Walk, Benque Viejo, San Ignacio & Santa Elena, Belmopan, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda. The project was sponsored by the World Bank and Belize Social Investment Fund.

The method followed was based on the 2015 UN-Habitat Cities and Climate Change Initiative: Planning for Climate Change Toolkit. The Institute’s contributions outlined baseline social and economic data, used to generate cadastral and land utilization databases. The plans supported building urban planning skills among local authorities, to upkeep infrastructure development plans over time, with examples from economic capital improvement programs. Documents include expression of interest, inception reports, strategy reports, workshops and presentations, progress reports and guidance manual reports from 2012 to 2014.

Key goals included:

  • To Develop comprehensive municipal development plans to improve land use planning and livability within their territories;
  • To Identify strategies that promote the development of local economic activities;
  • To Improve local revenue generation to finance public improvements through an efficient collection of locally based fees and taxes;
  • To Improve the efficiency of local financial management; and
  • To Engage the participation of stakeholders and community groups to ensure that proposed plans and investments targeted priority needs.

Project Year:2012-2014
Project Type:Comprehensive Plans
Geographic Regions:Belize
Reports:
Belize Municipal Development Plan: Dangriga Climate Change Report

Belize Municipal Development Plan: Strategy Report (May 2013)

Belize Municipal Development Plan: Guidance Manual Final Report (June 2014)

—

Supporting Documents:
Belize Municipal Development Plan: Expression of Interest (February 2012)

Belize Municipal Development Plan: Final Inception Report (February 2013)

Belize Municipal Development Plan: Final Inception Report Annex 2 Summaries (February 2013)

Belize Municipal Development Plan: Introduction to Planning (Presentation, May 2013)

Belize Municipal Development Plan: Module 1 Follow Up Sessions Summary

Belize Municipal Development Plan: Module 2 Agenda

Belize Municipal Development Plan: Module 4 and 5 Presentation (March 2013)

—

Templates:
Belize Municipal Development Plan: Template for Municipal Profile (March 2013)

Belize Municipal Development Plan: Template for Demographic and Socioeconomic Profile (March 2013)

—

First and Second National Workshops:
Belize Municipal Development Plan: First National Workshop Presentation (May 2013)

Belize Municipal Development Plan: “Preparation of Municipal Development Plans,” (November 2013)

Belize Municipal Development Plan: Second National Workshop (Presentation, December 2013)

Belize Municipal Development Plan: First National Workshop (Summary Report, June 2013)

—

Progress Reports:
Belize Municipal Development Plan: Progress Report 1, “Preparation of Municipal Development Plans,” (June 2013)

Belize Municipal Development Plan: Progress Report 2, “Preparation of Municipal Development Plans,” (September 2013)

Belize Municipal Development Plan: Progress Report 3, “Preparation of Municipal Development Plans,” (December 2013)
Authors:Marion Cayetano; Lucien Chung; John Driscoll; David Dunbar; James Kostaras; Maren Larsen; Borja Lopez; John McGill; Jan Meerman; Ian Morrison; Juan Pablo Bocarejo; Mona Serageldin; Linda Shi; Elda Solloso; François Vigier
Sponsors:World Bank; Social Investment Fund (Belize)
Categories:Urban Planning; Urban Finance; Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2012_10_003
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“Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Sustainable Cities Initiative,” Local Development Strategy for Durrës, Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Pristina and Skopje, with Co-PLAN Albania, 2012-2013

Abstract

This project was undertaken in 2012 as a joint venture between I2UD and the Albanian firm Co-PLAN, as part of the World Bank-Austria Partnership Program for Strengthening Local Governments in southeastern European countries.

The program featured an assessment of Social Sustainability frameworks of five Balkan cities: Durrës, Albania; Banja Luka and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Pristina, Kosovo; and Skopje, Macedonia, as part of an effort to increase the knowledge and awareness of social accountability among city stakeholders and to strengthen the integrity of public services. Local teams in each of the five cities worked in close collaboration with the I2UD-Co-PLAN team.

Documents include a Short Proposal, with a Full City Profile report and Inception Report. Following, are a Focus Group Summary, Social Accountability Note Framework and Index Concept Note. From March 2013 are several City Synthesis Profiles for Sarajevo, Prishtina, Skopje, Durrës, and Banja Luka. Finally, see a Final Reflections Report, a Regional Workshop “ICTs and Social Inclusion” Presentation, and a Regional Workshop Summary from April 2013.

Project Year:2012
Project Type:Local Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Albania / Bosnia and Herzegovina / Kosovo / North Macedonia
Reports:
ECA Audit: Short Proposal (July 2012)

ECA Audit: Inception Report Full City Profiles (October 2012)

ECA Audit: Inception Report (November 2012)

—

ECA Audit: Focus Group Summary (November 2012)

ECA Audit: Social Accountability Framework (December 2012)

ECA Audit: Social Accountability Index Concept Note (Jan 2013)

—

ECA Audit: City Synthesis Report, Sarajevo (March 2013)

ECA Audit: City Synthesis Report, Prishtina (March 2013)

ECA Audit: City Synthesis Report, Skopje (March 2013)

ECA Audit: City Synthesis Report, Durrës (March 2013)

ECA Audit: City Synthesis Report, Banja Luka (March 2013)

—

ECA Audit: Social Accountability City Note, Sarajevo

ECA Audit: Social Accountability City Note, Prishtina

ECA Audit: Social Accountability City Note, Skopje

ECA Audit: Social Accountability City Note, Durrës

ECA Audit: Social Accountability City Note, Banja Luka

—

ECA Audit: Final Reflections Report (March 2013)

ECA Audit: Regional Workshop “ICTs and Social Inclusion” Presentation (March 2013)

ECA Audit: Regional Workshop Summary (April 2013)

Authors:John Driscoll; Carolina Morgan
Sponsors:World Bank
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building; Urban Planning
  
ID:2012_09_001

Related I2UD Projects

“Framework for Land Management and Urban Development in a Market Economy,” Mission Report for Albania, with Case Studies Annexes, 1994

“Delivery of Security of Tenure, Infrastructure Services and Access to Finance Through Community-Based Approaches,” Report on Albania and El Salvador for the 4th World Bank Urban Research Symposium, 2007

“Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Sustainable Cities Initiative,” Local Development Strategy for Durrës, Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Pristina and Skopje, with Co-PLAN Albania, 2012-2013

“Social Sustainability and Citizen Engagement (SSCE),” Local Project Management for Phase 2 of the World Bank-Austria Urban Partnership Program (UPP) in Southeastern Europe, 2015

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“Urban Planning Guide for City Leaders,” Research for UN-Habitat Report, 2014 Edition

In 2014, Dr. Mona Serageldin, Elda Solloso, and Gil Kelley contributed to background research papers for the 2014 edition of the UN-Habitat publication “Urban Planning Guide for City Leaders.” The 188-page report sought to help local leaders to develop and communicate urban planning initiatives and to follow best practices in light of rapid urbanization.


[Excerpt:] Table 4.1, Adapted from research by Dr. Serageldin (page 97):

Project Year:2012
Project Type:Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Global / None Specified
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Pablo Vaggione; Carolina Morgan; Elda Solloso; Gil Kelley
Sponsors:UN-Habitat; Siemens; Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2012_00_002
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“Technical Assistance to Lesedi Local Municipality,” Design Framework for South Africa’s Neighborhood Development Partnership Grant (NDPG), Gauteng Province, South Africa, 2011

Abstract

In 2011, South Africa’s Lesedi Local Municipality contracted I2UD and engineering firm Worley Parsons RSA to provide technical assistance to the municipality, sponsored by South Africa’s Neighborhood Development Partnership Grant (NDPG).

The technical assistance proposal also developed strategic, sustainable plans and an urban design framework for four economically distressed townships within Lesedi Municipality. I2UD formulated development and urban design strategies to revitalize, upgrade, and take advantage of the strategic locations of communities in South Africa’s Gauteng Province.

Documents include an overview presentation, inception report, field report, and stakeholder meeting notes, and a Turn-Around template for Pre-2011 Priority Areas.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:2011
Project Type:Comprehensive Plan
Geographic Regions:Lesedi Local Municipality, Gauteng, South Africa (Ratanda, Impumelelo, Kwazenzele, and Jameson Park)
Reports:
Lesedi Local Municipality: I2UD Overview Presentation

Lesedi Local Municipality: Inception Report (October 2011)

Lesedi Local Municipality: First Field Report (October 2011)

Lesedi Local Municipality: Impumelelo Ward 1 Stakeholder Meetings (2010)

Lesedi Local Municipality: Ratanda Urban Design Framework

Lesedi Local Municipality: Ratanda Wards 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11 Stakeholder Meetings (2010)

Lesedi Local Municipality: Turn Around Template, Pre-2011 Priority Areas
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Carolina Morgan; Alejandra Mortarini;
Sponsors:Neighbourhood Development Partnership Programme (Republic of South Africa)
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
ID:2011_08_001

Related I2UD Projects


“Review of the South African Government’s Grant-Funded Municipal Infrastructure Programs,” 1998-1999

2001 Best Practices Leadership Programme: “Development of Infrastructure and Initiating of Sustainable Projects in Elim,” Western Cape, South Africa

“Township Development Strategy for Emfuleni Municipality,” Sedibeng, Gauteng, South Africa, 2009

“Technical Assistance to Ladysmith/Emnambithi Local Municipality,” South Africa, 2010

“Technical Assistance to Lesedi Local Municipality,” Gauteng Province, South Africa, 2011

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“Climate Change in the Local Development Agenda: Promoting Resilience Through Enhanced Understanding of Early Threats,” I2UD Report on Alexandria, Egypt and Cotonou, Benin, for the 5th World Bank Urban Research Symposium, June 2009

Abstract

In 2009, I2UD wrote a report for the Fifth World Bank Urban Research Symposium, analyzing the threats posed by climate change — due to flooding, extreme weather events, pollution, and coastal erosion — using example studies from Alexandria, Egypt and Cotonou, Benin.

I2UD, led by Mona Serageldin, addressed how climate change strategies must simultaneously address immediate threats, longterm economic health, and important political issues. Resilience strategies are essential in order to build urban preparedness, especially for municipalities with limited resources to protect their economies, housing infrastructure and service delivery provision. I2UD defined a need for direct urban expansion away from vulnerable areas, and offered to craft development strategies with action plans to address the local challenges of climate change.


[Excerpt: Introduction, p. 1]

“This paper discusses the responses of city authorities to the current and future threats posed by climate change in Alexandria, Egypt and Cotonou, Benin, two port cities facing increasing shoreline erosion, saltwater intrusion and flooding of low-lying areas. Each city has taken some actions to address these challenges but neither has yet developed an overall strategy to build resilience to climate change.”

[Excerpt: Summary]

“Experts have named Alexandria, Egypt and Cotonou, Benin as two cities facing high risks due to the impacts of climate change. City authorities are taking actions to build resilience to the most pressing threats, but they must also employ their limited resources to address economic development, employment generation and service provision. Strategies to address climate change must therefore be linked to immediate threats and politically and economically important issues. In both cities, land management policies and plans must focus on directing further urban expansion away from the most vulnerable, low-lying areas. Moreover, regional development strategies and action plans are needed to address impacts that spill over jurisdictional boundaries and promote coordination.

Key Words: Climate change, resilience, Alexandria, Cotonou, land management.


[Excerpt: Conclusion, p. 15]

“The dynamics of urban growth and land markets make appropriate responses difficult and expensive. As Alexandria and Cotonou grow, vulnerable populations continue to settle in risk-prone areas and future resettlement is even more difficult to contemplate due to the lack of suitable and affordable land, lagging infrastructure and inadequate public transportation. Decision-makers need to adopt land management strategies that will guide growth away from the most flood-prone and hazardous areas. This will require partnership with private developers and NGOs to increase the supply of affordable land for urban expansion and in the case of Cotonou organizing links between formal and informal service providers to extend services to newly urbanized areas yet to be reached by infrastructure networks. It will also require sustained action to control pervasive corruption in the administration of permits issued by subdistrict offices and in the inspectional services that allow violations to continue unabated.”

Project Year:2009
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Alexandria, Egypt / Cotonou, Benin
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Erick Guerra; Christa Lee-Chuvala
Sponsors:World Bank
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:2009_00_002
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“Qassioun Urban Development Strategy and Improvement Plan,” Technical Framework for Damascus, Syria, 2006-2008

Abstract

A 2006 project consisted of an urban development strategy and improvement plan for the informal settlement of Qassioun in the City of Damascus, Syria. I2UD’s development strategy provided a coherent framework for the development of an integrated plan for the whole site and more detailed plans for each of its constituent parts.

An informal urbanized area housing a population of 200,000 in 2006, Qassioun extended over 6 kilometers in the mountain range overlooking Damascus’ civic and business center. The settlement was characterized by steep slopes, dense settlement patterns and geotechnical and seismic risks. The development plan included the protection of a historic area, two regularized sub-districts, the informal settlement, facilities on the undeveloped high plateau, and a relocation site for families living in zones with high seismic risks.

Project Year:2006-2008
Project Type:Technical Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Damascus, Syria
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Christa Lee-Chuvala; Carolina Morgan; Alejandra Mortarini; Daniel Tsai
Sponsors:European Union Municipal Administration Modernization Project (MAM)
Categories:Reconciliation and Development
  
ID:2006_00_007
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“Continuity and Change” by Dr. Mona Serageldin, Topic Paper for 48th World Congress, International Federation for Housing and Planning (IFHP), 2004

Abstract

In 2004, Mona Serageldin prepared remarks in a report titled “Continuity and Change,” for a topic panel on “Governance for Urban Change” at the 48th International Federation for Housing and Planning (IFHP) World Congress in Oslo, Norway. Serageldin’s paper addressed change in urban zones, the value of consistency to preserve cultural heritage, in relation to urban dynamics and large migratory flows.

Documents include the report, as well as another IFHP panel presentation by Serageldin, titled “Managing Dynamics on Development and Change.”


[Excerpt: Introduction, “Continuity and Change,” Dr. Mona Serageldin, 2004]

“Culture is now recognized as an important dimension of development. Professor Amartya Sen has convincingly demonstrated this link from the standpoint of an economist and a philosopher. Culture and Development both embody concepts of continuity and change but attitudes vary regarding the value placed on the legacy of the past and the role this legacy should play in shaping the future. Cultural continuity provides a coherent framework which can integrate change while providing anchors that shape identity and references that affect social behavior.”

“The inability to manage change creates disruptions that tend to aggravate cleavages along ethnic, religious and class lines. It also affects governance in that it tends to encourage the transfer of imported models and the establishment of technocratic structures as an expedient solution. Yet devoid of cultural significance, these structures can neither motivate participation nor provide modes of empowerment and end up undermining the development of local institutions.”

“Dr. Ismail Serageldin has argued that the management of change in developing countries which have experienced sudden culturally disruptive transformations requires restoring the coherence of the socio-cultural framework so that it can evolve by incorporating new elements, adapting and responding to new challenges and generating new opportunities. This implies restoring some degree of continuity.”

“This presentation focuses on two major challenges to continuity confronting local authorities in both developing and developed countries: (1) Dealing with increasingly complex urban dynamics and (2) Coping with unprecedented mobility and large migratory flows.”
____

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:2004
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Oslo, Norway (Conference Location)
Reports:
Continuity and Change (Remarks, Mona Serageldin)

Managing Dynamics of Development and Change (Presentation Outline, Mona Serageldin)

Authors:Mona Serageldin
Sponsors:Center for Urban Development Studies, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:2004_09_002

Related I2UD Projects


Design Studio 1981: “Housing Design in Islamic Cultures” in Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, Seminar Curriculum

“Economy of Historic Preservation” in Erbil, Kurdistan, Report for Strengthening Urban & Regional Planning (SURP), UN-HABITAT, 2014

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

“Sustainable Development Based on Valorizing the Historic Urban Fabric,” Paper by Dr. Mona Serageldin, 9th World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, 2007

“Integrated Area Management Action Plan,” Urban Management Plan for the Ancient Walled City Icheri Sheher, Baku, Azerbaijan, 2006

“Revitalization of Kars Historic Center” & “Strategies for Sustainable Development,” Technical Assistance and Capacity-Building for Kars, Turkey, 2004-2008

“Cooperation and Capacity Building for Promoting Cultural, Natural and Built Heritage in Transylvania,” Technical Assistance Report for Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara and Târgu Mureș, Romania, 2004

“Continuity and Change” by Dr. Mona Serageldin, Topic Paper for 48th World Congress, International Federation for Housing and Planning (IFHP), 2004

“Historic Center of Mexico City” Diagnostic Summary, Technical Assistance for Mexico City, Mexico, 2003

“Master Plan for the Revitalization of the Older Urban Fabric,” Preservation in the Old City of Al Qusair, Egypt, 2000

“St. Petersburg Center City Rehabilitation Project,” Urban Planning Network for St. Petersburg, Russia, 2000

“Preserving the Historic Urban Fabric in a Context of Fast Paced Change,” Research Essay by Dr. Mona Serageldin, 1998

“Lublin Local Initiatives Program” & “Lublin Old Town Rehabilitation Project,” Technical Assistance for Urban Upgrading in Lublin, Poland, 1994-2000

“Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Revitalization and Rehabilitation of the Historic District,” Technical Assistance for the City of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 1994

“Upgrading and Conservation of the Walled City of Lahore,” Regional Report on the Preservation of Historic Lahore, Pakistan, 1988

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“Local Authority-Driven Interventions to Improve the Lives of Slum Dwellers,” Mona Serageldin for UN Millennium Task Force 8 on “Improving the Lives of Slum Dwellers,” 2003

Abstract

In October 2003, Dr. Mona Serageldin participated on “Task Force 8,” a working group for the United Nations Millennium Project, directed by Professor Jeffrey Sachs Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General.

The Task Force 8 sought to recommend strategies to achieve the defined Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), adopted by world leaders at the UN Millennium Summit in September 2004. MGGs were targets to reduce global poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and gender discrimination for populations around the world.

Dr. Serageldin and CUDS authors prepared an assessment of 50 best practices worldwide as a background paper for the Task Force 8. Their paper highlighted the key features underlying their success, namely, partnerships, strategic priorities, multi-sectoral action plans, and focused on programs targeting vulnerable populations and marginalized “informal settlements,” here also termed “slums.”

Documents include the October 2003 Report, Goal Indicators, a case study on the Tsiganes in Greece, and a presentation titled “Partnerships and Targeted Programs.”

See also, the UN-Habitat Mandate for the Millennium Development Project initiative, which includes a guide section on “The Do’s and Don’ts of Slum Upgrading.”


[Excerpt: Report, October 2003, 1. Executive Summary – Overview, p. 5]

1.1 Overview

“This background paper is based on an extensive review of local authority-driven initiatives that managed to improve the lives of slum dwellers. The review discusses the growing role of local authorities with reference to the institutional context conditioning government action. The imbalances created by asymmetrical decentralization of powers, responsibilities and resources is a cross cutting theme prompting local authorities to seek strategic partners for their initiatives. The conceptual framework used to define the range of locally driven initiatives that can improve the lives of slum dwellers underscores their breadth and diversity. The review focuses on process, strategy and action, and how these were shaped by the nature of the challenges that local authorities had to cope with and the partnerships they managed to structure in order to access resources, engage poor communities, reach marginalized populations and address vulnerable groups.”

“The performance of these institutional frameworks and decision making processes are assessed with reference to the difficulties encountered and results achieved. The selected initiatives presented in the different sections of the paper are grouped under headings highlighting recent trends and pointing to future directions. The paper focuses on initiatives implemented during the past decade in different economic, social, political and cultural settings. Emerging trends with regard to processes, strategies, and actions highlight the expanding scope of partnerships and the emphasis on empowerment and social inclusion.”

Project Year:2003
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Weihai, China (Conference Location) / Sofades, Greece (Case Study)
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Elda Sollos; Luis Valenzuela; Peter Stathopoulos
Sponsors:United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat)
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2003_10_001

Related I2UD Projects

Gallery 2 – Côte d’Ivoire: Adjamé, Abidjan, 1990-1995

Gallery 4 – Chile: Santiago, Concepción, and Talcahuano, 1992-1993

Galleries 6-7: Egypt: Cairo and Helwan, 1986, 1990

Gallery 16 – Venezuela: Caracas, 1989

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“Environmental Health Factors in Housing,” Design Study for the Rapid Urbanization of Low-Income Settlements in Urban-Fringe Districts, 1989

Abstract

“Environmental Health Factors in Housing” was a study from 1989 by the Unit for Housing and Urbanization — addressing the link between rapid urbanization and rapid densification of low-income housing settlements in economically struggling cities — called the “Third World” in 1980s-era economic terminology.

The report addressed the environmental hazards, poverty, disease and slum housing conditions emerging in areas around housing developments built recently but lacking adequate infrastructure for socio-economic longevity and community health. The Unit presented their aim to form a model for affordable, practical design criteria that paid attention to both economic and social factors for urban-fringe districts.

Documents include working reports from April, July and August 1989, a Study Summary, and a Research Strategy and Methodological Guidelines by Rafique H. Keshavjee and Orville Solon from December 1989.



[Excerpt: Study Summary, I. Overview, July 1989, p. 2]

“Most urban settlements in lower-income countries, whether they are new settlements built by the government, established informal communities or new squatter areas, are subject to tremendous pressures of population growth and economic and physical change. The greater the pressure for development, the more rapid the transformations brought about by this maturation process. This continuous growth and change can rapidly transform their original physical forms beyond recognition and alter the community’s social and economic functions. The process is further intensified when governments introduce improvements such as water, sewerage, basic services and housing. For example, carefully planned housing projects designed according to standards which assume a segregation of commercial and residential activities will find that, overtime, these activities will occur simultaneously in the same area.

The need of low-income families to generate additional income and living space results in the construction of new rooms and apartments which were often not anticipated in the original design of the site or its infrastructure. In such cities as Karachi, Dhakka and Cairo, where housing shortages are high, additions to structures can reach over six stories in less than five years, raising densities from under 400 to over 1,000 persons per hectare. The most dynamic aspect of transformation within a community affects housing, small scale commercial establishments and the disappearance or overuse of communal open
spaces.”

…..

[Excerpt: Study Summary, III. STUDY DESIGN, July 1989, p. 7]

“The purpose of the Study is to develop practical, affordable design criteria which are responsive to the social and economic dynamics of low-income settlements. It will focus on aspects of housing and community design which have received little attention in the past. Most notably, the long-term impact of rapid growth in low-income urban settlements and the effect of the resulting transformation of housing and environmental conditions on the health of the residents. The definition of this linkage and the development of appropriate environmental design criteria, will allow decision makers to choose physical improvements that will maintain their positive impacts as a community matures.“

Project Year:1989
Project Type:Environmental Climate Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Global / None Specified
Reports:
Environmental Health Factors in Housing: (April 1989)

Environmental Health Factors in Housing: (Summary, July 1989)

Environmental Health Factors in Housing: (July 1989)

Environmental Health Factors in Housing: (August 1989)

Environmental Health Factors in Housing: Research Strategy and Methodological Guidelines (December 1989)
Authors:Mona Serageldin; François Vigier; Rafique H. Keshavjee; Orville Solon
Sponsors:World Bank; Unit for Housing and Urbanization, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:1989_07_001