This guide focuses on the processes involved in developing community-based Vulnerability and Risk Assessments and Action Plans, providing general content, tools, and guidance on participatory methodologies and techniques. It may be used to support slum and informal settlements upgrading initiatives or can be used as a stand-alone process tool in support of local action. Case studies from different regions exemplify the processes and methodologies described.

Caribbean Strategy for Informal Settlements Upgrading (CSISU) recognizes that informal settlements are a product of failures in the shelter, land and housing systems, evident in the lack of capacity to adequately meet shelter needs and provide employment and services in step with urbanization in the Caribbean. While these factors affect households across the socio-economic spectrum, informal settlements are disproportionately burdened, as they are home to a significant proportion of lower…

UN-Habitat’s three-pronged approach considers spatial planning in relation to legal and institutional frameworks, in addition to financial mechanisms. The demonstration project for Buraidah has been elaborated to include schematic designs and feasibility studies, that can later be transformed into implementation plans. This Demo project is to inform Policy making of needed urban reforms.

This publication, a joint effort of UN-Habitat and Tongji University, shares the rich experiences of China and other countries in addressing the enormous challenges faced during rapid population growth, urbanization and industrialization, and demonstrates technical, managerial and financial solutions developed to improve water quality and the general environment of urban rivers through well-developed wastewater management systems. These solutions will be a catalyst for better practices globally.