Developing public spaces in East Jerusalem

Palestinian neighborhoods in East Jerusalem are characterized by a high level of informality, over-crowding, poor physical infrastructure and a lack of public spaces and public services. They are evolving into slum-like built up areas, which negatively affects the quality of the built environment and the socio-economic conditions for the residents, thus increasing unemployment, poverty, and school dropout rates. Public facilities such as parks are woefully inadequate (1 park per 8,800 persons). A recently completed survey has shown that there are available public spaces that have not been developed. This project aims to improve the urban environment and living conditions, in particular for women, youth, and children.

Project Duration: 2016 - ongoing
Value USD: 96,546
Donor: Mojang
Implementing Partners: Bimkon (NGO), Planners for Planning Rights

Municiapal plan and neighbourhood reconstruction in Khuza’a

UN-Habitat is providing support for participatory planning to the municipality of Khuza’a, which borders Israel. Recent conflicts have severely damaged the housing stock in Gaza, with 71% of the damage occurring within 3 km of the border. The project involves participatory urban planning prior to the neighourhood reconstruction exercise to ensure fair representation and local acceptance of the plan. If successful, the method will be replicated in other municipalities in the border region with similar challenges.

Project Duration: 2015-2016
Value USD: Seed money 100,000
Donor: Creative Industries