Mozambique

Overview

Since 2002, we are dedicated to working for a sustainable and resilient urban future for Mozambique. Over the past 17 years, UN-Habitat Mozambique has been developing and implementing a country programme based on the priority areas defined by Government of Mozambique, development partners and the main global development agendas. Currently, UN-Habitat Mozambique’s three programme pillars are: Sustainable Urbanisation; Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation; and Security of Land Tenure and Affordable Housing.

UN-Habitat has a long experience in Mozambique and has gained trust and credibility from the government and different partners for its work in the field of disaster risk reduction, urban planning, resilience and housing. The work carried out translates into technical advisory and normative services, a broad array of publications, pilot construction projects (school, health posts, radio station and housing, etc.), slum upgrading projects, plan and policy development and training of local, provincial and national staff. UN-Habitat adopts a strong community based and participatory approach with local communities and authorities in all its activities.

Overview

Mozambique has been one of Africa’s fastest growing economies throughout the past years, driven by investments related to the exploration of natural resources.In the coming 25 years urban areas in Mozambique will continue growing rapidly and will have to accommodate 80 thousand new households annually. It is estimated that around 60% of Mozambicans live along the Indian Ocean coastline or in river flood-prone areas,  vulnerable to flooding, seasonal cyclones and chronic drought.

Furthermore, there are serious solid waste management problems in Mozambican cities and towns. The combination of lack of solid waste management (blocking drainage systems, often causing urban flooding) and the high likelihood of flooding to cause waterborne diseases that spread easily in densely occupied urban areas.

Urban numbers

Urban Population (2018): 36%

Urban Growth Rate (2015-2020): 4.35%

The urban population annual growth rate is 4.37%

Donors and partners

UN-Habitat has a long experience in Mozambique and has gained trust and credibility from the government and different partners for its work in the field of disaster risk reduction, urban planning, resilience and housing. The work carried out translates into technical advisory and normative services, a broad array of publications, pilot construction projects (school, health posts, radio station and housing,etc.), slum upgrading projects, plan and policy development and training of local, provincial and national staff. UN-Habitat adopts a strong community based and participatory approach with local communities and authorities in all its activities.

Donors

WFP
United States of America
United Nations Office for Project Services
UNICEF
Programa de Desenvolvimento Municipal Mozambique
Mozambique
Kings College
International Organization for Migration
Germany
European Commission
Denmark
Adaptation Fund Board

Contact

Wild Do Rosario
Head of Programme

 

  • Total value of UN-Habitat investments (2008-2015): US$ 7,104,743
  • Total number of UN-Habitat projects (2008-2015): 14 projects
  • Main donors: Spain, UNDP/ Spain MDGF, One UN Fund, Booyoung, IBRD/World Bank, BASF AG,  FAO, European Commission and the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Secretariat
  • Implementing partners: FAO,COOPI, CARE,UNEP, UNIDO,  INE, MTRAB, MMCAS, MINAG, CTA, OTM, INEFP, CONSILMO, UEM, Provincial Governments of Nampula, Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Tete, Manica, Sofala and Zambezia, The Ministry for Coordination of Environmental Affairs (MICOA), especially through its National Directorate of Territorial Planning and its Sustainable Development Centre for Urban Areas (CDS-ZU) located in Nampula, The Ministry of Planning and Development (MPD), The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MOPH), The Ministry for State Administration (MAE), The Ministry of Transport and Communication (MTC), The Government of the Nampula Province, Municipal and district authorities in Nampula Province National Association of Municipalities of Mozambique (ANAMM), JICA, World Bank, UNDP

 

General information

 

Capital: Maputo

Major cities: Matola, Beira, Nampula, Chimoio, Nacala , Quelimane, Tete, Xai-Xai, Maxixe

  • Population: 26.4 million
  • GDP: US$16,3 Billion
  • GDP growth: 7.4%
  • Urban population (annual %): 31,6%
  • Population growth rate (average annual %): 2%
  • Urban population growth rate (average annual %): 3%
  • Rural population growth rate (average annual %): 2 %

Source: World Bank 2012

 

 

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Country pages

Mozambique Projects

Chad

Overview

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme "UN-HABITAT" has been collaborating with the Government of the Republic of Chad for 20 years. This collaboration has led to initiatives such as the Urban Development and Housing Improvement Project (DURAH) set up in 2004, which has made it possible to initiate a real policy dynamic to promote the sector; the creation of SOPROFIM in 2009 with the aim of improving urban housing and resolving the land question. In 2015, the "Banque de l'Habitat" was created and approved by COBAC in 2017. 

The main areas of cooperation between Chad and UN-Habitat comprise urban development, legislation, social housing production, urban resilience and institutional capacity development.

UN-Habitat’s work in the country

UN-Habitat’s Country Programme in Chad is based on a solid partnership with all relevant public institutions and key stakeholders, including community-based organizations, NGOs and the private sector. Women and the youth are considered key players and are frequently consulted and responsible for the urban agenda in the country. Academia and educational institutions are also considered important partners.

Overview

In Chad, only a small fraction of the urban population has access to decent housing and drinking water. A large majority are flood victims during the rainy season, and face day-to-day insalubrious conditions due to poor management of household human waste and wastewater, particularly in the outlying districts inhabited by the poor. Today, the aspirations of Chadians, expressed in the 2030 vision "The Chad We Want", demonstrates the willpower of Chad: "An emerging regional power by 2030, driven by diversified and sustainable sources of growth, creating added value and jobs, and ensuring that each Chadian has adequate access to basic social services, decent housing and adequate training opportunities". 

Urban numbers

According to the United Nations Population Division, this population will increase to 27.5 per cent in 2030 and 39 per cent in 2050

Refugees and displaced persons from neighbouring countries fleeing armed conflict represent 302,675, or 84 per cent of the international migrant population in Chad.

Urban Population (2018): 23.1%

Urban Growth Rate (2015-2020): 3.88%

Donors and partners

Over the years, the UN-Habitat programme in Chad has forged a strong partnership with all forms of institutions and actors, ranging from public entities to grass-roots organizations, NGOs and the private sector. Young people and women are considered first-rate actors and are regularly empowered in activities concerning their spaces. Training institutes and universities are also daily partners.

Donors

UNDP (incl. one UN fund)

Contact

Totinon Nguébétan Merlin
Habitat Programme Manager
ROAf
  • Total value of UN-Habitat investments (2008-2013): US$ 2,126,966
  • Total number of UN-Habitat projects (2008-2013): 1 project
  • Main donors: UNDP Chad
  • Implementing partners: Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Regional Planning

Chad is divided into multiple regions: a desert zone in the north, an arid Sahelian belt in the centre and a more fertile Sudanese savanna zone in the south. Lake Chad, after which the country is named, is the largest wetland in Chad and the second-largest in Africa.  N’Djamena (capital), Moundou, Sarh, Abeche, Kelo, Koumra are a few of its major cities.

General information

Capital: N’Djamena

Major cities: Chad is divided into multiple regions: a desert zone in the north, an arid Sahelian belt in the centre and a more fertile Sudanese savanna zone in the south. Lake Chad, after which the country is named, is the largest wetland in Chad and the second-largest in Africa.  N’Djamena, Moundou, Sarh, Abeche, Kelo, Koumra are a few of its major cities.

  • Population: 12.45 million
  • GDP: US$12.89  billion
  • GDP growth: 8.9%
  • Urban population (annual %): 22%
  • Population growth rate (average annual %): 3.0%
  • Urban population growth rate (average annual %): 3.4%
  • Rural population growth rate (average annual %): 2.9%

Source: World Bank 2012

UN-Habitat projects in Chad

Urban Development Improvement of Housing in Chad (Phase II)

In the period between 2008-2013, UN-Habitat carried out the phase II of a project aimed at improving the living conditions of urban poor including slum dwellers. The project was funded by UNDP Chad and implemented in conjunction with the Ministry of Housing, Urban development and Regional Planning.

Images

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A desert village in Chad © Shutterstock

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Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Overview

Since 2014 the key focus areas in Iran include: Human Settlements Development, Resilient Cities, Environment, Climate Change and Basic Urban Infrastructure and Services, Participatory Urban Planning & Design, Governance and Finance, Advocacy, Monitoring, Partnership, and Capacity Development.

Overview

The priority challenges identified by Iranian authorities and the UN in Iran includes: Environment; Health; Resilient Economy; Drug Control. Iran faces some acute environmental challenges because of its dry climate, rapid urbanization and economic dependence on oil revenues. Many of Iran environment challenges will be aggravated as a result of climate change.  

Since Iran is situated  in one of the most seismically active regions which  due to occurrence of multi-hazard disasters faces serious urban challenges,  the human settlements in Iran have to cope with issues such as lack of sufficient resilient infrastructures of water/wastewater systems, and vulnerable lifelines in big cities and essential buildings, spontaneous growth of informal settlements, increased deterioration of historic fabrics, inefficient rural-urban linkages; unaffordable housing stocks, physical and socioeconomic vulnerability

Urban numbers
The urban population annual growth rate is 1.79%
The percentage of the total population that is urban is 74.39%

Donors and partners

The national partners of UN-Habitat in Iran are the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development (MoRUD) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). UN-Habitat in Iran collaborates with different partners including national authorities (MoRUD, the Urban Regeneration Company in Iran, New Towns Development Company, etc.), local organisations (e.g. multiple municipalities and city councils, Tehran Province Water and Wastewater Company, Tehran Disaster Management and Mitigation, etc.), research centres and universities and the civil society (NGOs). The success of our work in Iran depends on successful partnerships.

International partners includes UN-Habitat in Afghanistan, Economic Corporation Organization and the Research Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (RCSST) Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Donors

UNDP (incl. one UN fund)
Japan
Republic of Korea
Iran

Contact

Srinivasa  POPURI 
Chief, UN-Habitat Bangkok Programme Office Inter Regional Office of Asia and the Pacific (ROAP)
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
  • Total value of UN-Habitat investments (2008-2013): US$ 2,491,005
  • Total number of UN-Habitat projects (2008-2013): 1 project
  • Main donors: the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran

UN-Habitat Tehran Office was established in April 2007 following an agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and UN-Habitat. UN-Habitat's programmes in the I.R. of Iran are designed to help policy-makers and local communities get to grips with the human settlements and urban issues and find workable, lasting solutions.

 

General information

 

UN-Habitat Tehran office supports Government, civil society and other Habitat Agenda Partners in adopting enabling legislation and established systems for improved access to land, and developing and improving effective decentralized governance, Wash, urban economy and urban safety that foster sustainable urban development.

UN-Habitat pursues the mandate outlined in the agreement with the I.R. of Iran:

  • To contribute towards capacity building in the themes of sustainable urban development through policy development, institutional implementation and improvement of required skills
  • To facilitate the mobilization of financial resources for the development and implementation of sustainable urban development programmes
  • To backstop the development and implementation of activities related to promoting urban sustainable development
  • To promote interaction between public, private and civil institutions aiming at widening the cooperation for the sustainable development of human settlements
  • To promote development of preparedness to various vulnerabilities related to various aspects of urban sustainable development

 

 

UN-Habitat projects in the I.R. of Iran

 

Areas of intervention and primary partners:

  • Natural Disasters – ISDR, NDMO, TDMMO, UNDP, ECO
  • Complex Emergencies – ECO, UNDP, UNHCR
  • Security in Human Settlements – OCHA, UNODC

Thematic areas of focus:

  • Assessment and risk reduction
  • Shelter and reconstruction
  • Land and property
  • Displaced populations
  • Vulnerability reduction

Cooperation:

a) Letter of Intent (LoI) with MoRUD for joint activities signed in 2012:

  • Urban Profile, Housing Profile and Land Adjustment Initiatives
  • Regional Slum Upgrading Working Group of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development (APMCHUD)
  • Guidelines/Documentation and dissemination of best practices

b) Memorandum with MoE/SRO for joint activities:

  • Technical consultancy and cooperation for State Organization of School Renovation, Development and Mobilization
  • Promote sustainable capacity building in the area of “Safer Schools” Implementation of retrofitting and rehabilitation projects

c) Memorandum with MoH/TUMs for joint activities signed in 2011:

  • Cooperation with Ministry of Health to enhance the seismic resistance of the existing health facilities
  • Assessment of 30 Primary health care centers in Tehran

d) Memorandum with ECO secretariat for joint activities signed in 2012:

  • Report of the State of the ECO-region Cities: Urban Resilience and Cities at Risk (2015)
  • Seismic Feasibility Studies for Public buildings in ECO region

Capacity Building

UN-Habitat developed a concept note for planning capacity development at national level. The note has been submitted to the government.

 

 

Contacts

 

UN-Habitat Tehran Office 8 Shahrzad Blvd Darrous Tehran 1948773911 Islamic Republic of Iran Tel: +98-21-2286 0691-4, 2286 0925-8 (Ext:152-157) Fax: +98-21-2286 0691 (Ext:179) Email:mehmet.akdogan@unhabitat.org

Images

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Deserted mud-brick village, Kharanaq, Yazd province, Iran © Shutterstock

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Mexico

Overview

The office in Mexico works on the generation of evidence (CPI) for the execution of strategic urban projects with counterparts from the federal, state and municipal government.

Overview

Mexico is a highly urbanized country with nearly 80 percent of its population living in urban areas. Between 1970 and 2000, the surface area of Mexico City grew 1.5 times faster than its population. With high rates of uninhabited housing and the segregated development of housing projects stemming from severe income disparities, Mexico City is faced with massive urban sprawl, as are many other cities in Mexico.

Urban numbers

From 2014 to 2017, of the homes built and financed by the housing institutes, 37.5 per cent are abandoned and are located in large peripheral housing complexes.

It is estimated that families with fewer economic resources would take 120 years to pay an average home without subsidy.

2.2 million houses are located outside of cities (43.6 per cent). Only 8 per cent are in consolidated areas.

Donors

Secretaría de Desarrollo Agrario, Territorial y Urbano
Municipo Gov. of Zapopan
Municipio De Reynosa- Tamaulipas
Municipio De Queretaro Mexico
Municipio De Merida Del Estado
Mexico
Infonavit
IMIP Cajame
Gobierno del Estado de Hidalgo
Estudios para el desarrollo y la Sustentabilidad de las Ciudades S.A. de C.V

Contact

Eduardo Lopez Moreno
Interim Director
UN-Habitat Mexico
  • Total value of UN-Habitat investments (2008-2013): US$ 1,735,568
  • Total number of UN-Habitat projects (2008-2013): 4 projects
  • Main donors: Government of Mexico,municipalities such as Zapopan & Guadalajara, Government of Spain
  • Implementing partners: ECLAC, the metropolitan zone of Guadalajara, the municipality of Zapopan, the Miguel Hidalgo "Delegacion"

In Mexico, UN-Habitat promotes sustainable urbanization in a country with 72% of its population living in urban areas, living in 383 cities with more than 15,000 inhabitants. The National Office in Mexico through continuous advocacy achieved to sensitize national policy makers and to include in the National Development Plan 2013-2018 (Plan Nacional de Desarrollo 2013-2018), which is the strategic tool of national policies guideline, prosperity as a main development principle.

General information

In 2013, UN-Habitat accompanied and included the sustainable urbanization approach to the National Urban Development and Housing Consultation Forum, a national strategy that consisted in consulting the 32 states and technical experts in specific topics in order to design the new national policy. Also in 2013, UN-Habitat participated in the National Housing and Urban Development Council, which has democratic participation of civil and social organizations, housing investors, governmental institutions and academic representatives. This council has technical committees that develops technical recommendations on specific issues. The National Housing and Urban Development Council established in 2013 which is the Habitat Committee equivalent (it is mentioned in the Housing National Law), created the Communication and Diffusion Committee to promote the transition to new urban paradigms and the importance of focusing on cities.

UN-Habitat projects in Mexico

Urban poverty reduction in Mexico This project comes as a follow up to the project “Urban Poverty Reduction in Mexico” (F049) which ran from 2004 to 2010. The project complements the efforts of Mexican authorities in keeping a political and administrative environment conducive to the implementation of the Habitat Agenda in the country. It focuses on strengthening UN-Habitat and SEDESOL knowledge, visibility and network in order to develop the portfolio of activities in the country. Main activities include:

  • support to the monitoring of urban trends and conditions
  • promotion of technical and policy dialogue on sustainable urbanization issues
  • awareness-raising activities
  • mobilization of Habitat partners
  • expansion of the UN-Habitat portfolio

The project is primarily financed by the Federal Government, Ministry of Social Development (SEDESOL), which is in charge of urban development. A major objective of SEDESOL is the reduction of urban poverty. Implementing Partners: The Ministry of Social Development (SEDESOL), the Mexico’s National Commission to Combat Violence Against Women (CONAVIM), the Mexico State, and the Tlalnepantla de Baz municipality. Capacity Building A Training on city densification was carried out in Monterrey, and EGM on City Densification in Zopopan is under preparation. From Isolation to Community Life UN-Habitat and Avina have intiated a transformative process in the Plaza de la Soledad, a square located within the city’s Merced district. The space became known as the Cultural and Community Plaza for Violence Prevention and Civic Learning nd it seeks to turn this urban square into a space for community response and assistance. The project contributed to enhancing the public space by repurposing the square as a place for social interaction, implementing sociocultural strategies that encourage people to make this space their own. Project duration: 2015 - ongoing Value USD: 10,000 Donor: Mojang Implementing partners: Fundación Avina Urban Regeneration in Mexico City UN-Habitat together with a team of four planning studios and the Creative Industries is egaged in concrete urban regeneration projects. The regeneration projects include spatial visualization, public space networks, rules and regulations, financial mechanisms and collaboration with stakeholders to achieve a shared vision for the development of the city. Project duration: 2015 - ongoing Value USD: 100,000 Donor: Creative Industries Fund Implementing partners: Secretary of Urban Development and Housing, UN-Habitat Office in Mexico, Creative Industries Completed project Assessment of the Impacts of Crime on Urban Economic Competitiveness, a pilot case in Zapopan Municipality (just completed). This project aimed at improving local authorities’ capacities to formulate and implement urban strategies for prevention and mitigation of urban crime in a context of economic competitiveness.

Contactos

UN-Habitat National Office in Mexico Paseo de la Reforma 116 Juárez, Cuauhtémoc Ciudad de México, Distrito Federal +555 53285000 ext 50847 and 50846

Images

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Ciudad de México © Shutterstock

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UN-Habitat has been supporting the People and the Government of the Union of Myanmar since the early 1990s through operational and normative projects. UN-Habitat’s key thematic areas of engagements range from Advocating on policy and strategy development, Urban Planning and Management, Land Administration and Management, Improving human settlements and Rebuilding communities, Urban Research and Poverty Reduction, Disaster risk management and Environment, Building Resilience and Climate Change.

Impact

Urban numbers

Challenges

Due to the recent economic and political liberalization in Myanmar, the rate of urbanization majorly in the two urban agglomerations Yangon and Mandalay are expected to increase from 15.4 million (30% of the total population) in 2014 to 18.8 million to 2030. This poses economic and spatial development challenges such as solid waste management, informal settlements sprawling, traffic management that stand at a crucial period and negligence on this aspect of Urban Development can increase and worsen the challenges of urbanization for the future.

These challenges include, the rapid growth of a number of informal settlements due to the prolonged undersupply of housing, loosely bound urban legislation and administrative framework, need for improved land management, improper management, and provision of municipal services, intensified environment, and climate change issues.

In order to answer these challenges of urbanization and to capitalize on its opportunities, UN-Habitat assists and engages with a range of ministries to support Myanmar in overcoming and planning for a sustainable and inclusive future for all through urban policy and planning that reaches beyond the traditional city- scale.

Donors and partners

UN-Habitat is providing technical assistance on issues related to the Habitat Agenda to its partners in Myanmar including the Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation. Reports are presented to line Ministries and Departments on monthly basis, and attendance to meetings at General Administrative Department Offices, both at township and regional level.

Contact

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
  • Total value of UN-Habitat investments (2008-2013): US$ 25,966,677
  • Total number of UN-Habitat projects (2008-2013): 18 projects
  • Main donors: USAID, the Government of Norway and the Government of Japan
  • Implementing partners: government ministries and community development councils; local and international NGOs such as IFRC; other UN agencies such as UNDP and UNICEF

UN-Habitat established a presence in Myanmar in the early 1990’s through 2004 during which time the agency pioneered the “People’s Process” by establishing the first community led projects in the Dry Zone, Shan State and the Delta. The agency also extended substantive assistance for the design of the Human Development Initiative (HDI) for UNDP and has partnered in implementation of HDI 1, HDI 2 and HDI 3.

General information

Today UN-Habitat continues to implement several normative and operational activities focusing on four thematic areas:

  1. Participatory urban planning, management and governance
  2. Pro-poor land, housing, and tenure
  3. Improving human settlements and enabling seamless recovery
  4. Environment, DRR and climate change. Myanmar, with the installation of the new government in 2011, is undergoing rapid transformation, providing tremendous hope for economic development among its citizen. The central government is making serious attempts to reduce poverty, initiate inclusive rural development and to address the impending urbanization of the country

UN-Habitat is currently supporting the Government of the Union of Myanmar through operational and normative projects and it has activities in several townships across the country. In 2012 and 2013, UN-Habitat intensified its support in normative areas through technical assistance to several ministries and stakeholders in policy and strategy development and training in the areas of Urban Planning and Management, National Building Codes Development, Urban/Land Use Planning Guidelines, City Development Strategy, Training and Capacity Building, National Housing Policy Formulation, Land Administration and Management, Urban Research and Poverty Reduction, Disaster Management Training Center, State of the Environment Report, Long Term Restoration and Conservation Plan of Inlay Lake, and Myanmar Climate Change Alliance Project. To date UN-Habitat has over 250 staff, both international and national.

Myanmar is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia (676,577 square kilometers). The country’s population is estimated at 61.1 million (2012). A comprehensive Myanmar Population and Housing census is planned for March 2014 – the first census in 30 years.

Myanmar has maintained GDP growth at around 5 percent annually in recent years and has seen improving trends in poverty-related indicators. The country has further growth potential, with its rich variety of natural resources, a rich and diversified agricultural base and open access to sea. Favorably located between South and East Asia, Myanmar has access to the fast growing economies of China and India, together with access to ASEAN countries. 

Myanmar is one of the least developed countries in Asia, but it stands on the threshold of fundamental political, economic and social change. Despite economic growth, issues of equity and poverty continue to be of principal concern. While there are encouraging trends in terms of poverty reduction, the country remains well behind its neighbors in the region – ranking 149 out of 168 on the Human Development Index (UNDP, 2011. Human Development Report. Sustainability and Equity: A Better Future for All. New York).

Myanmar is divided into seven states and seven regions and a capital region. In the plains are the regions of Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, and Yangon, where the majority of the population is of Bamar ethnicity. The states of Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine, and Shan are located in the upland areas and are largely populated by non-Bamar ethnic groups.

Each state and region is diverse in terms of its people, languages and culture. Ethnic and sectarian conflicts have flared up from time to time in some regions. As part of the reform, a peace process has been underway in an attempt to resolve these issues and its cause.

Due to its geophysical location, Myanmar is prone to range of natural hazards as well as long term climate change impacts. While natural hazards are part of environment, disaster risks are intrinsically linked to development. Myanmar ranks among one of the high risk countries to natural hazards due to degree of vulnerability to natural hazards.

Impacts of climate change are already being felt in terms of changes in weather patterns and in future it may exacerbate disaster risks. Cyclone Nargis (2008) was the worst natural disaster in the history of Myanmar, and the most devastating cyclone to strike Asia since 1991. Some 2.4 million people were severely affected by the cyclone; in addition to the tragic loss of life, an estimated 138,000 people were killed.

Contacts

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
No.6, Natmauk Road
Yangon, Myanmar
Tel: (95-1) 542 910 – 919 Ext. 104
Fax: (95-1) 544 531, 545 634, 430 628
Email: un.habitat.mya@gmail.com
desk@unhabitat-mya.org

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Cambodia

Overview

UN-Habitat has supported Cambodia’s national government, provincial governments, city authorities and people since 1996 to reduce inequality, promote living standards of vulnerable communities, facilitate and empower communities to improve living conditions and early recovery for disaster effected communities. UN-Habitat’s technical assistance in Cambodia includes water and sanitation, affordable housing, disaster risk reduction, slum upgrading and urban poverty reduction, urban planning and management, urban climate change adaptation and mitigation.  diverse areas responding to country’s emerging needs ranging from, urban knowledge generation, municipal finance, urban poverty alleviation, community-based infrastructure, environment improvement, climate change and rehabilitation and reconstruction etc.

Overview

Urbanization in Cambodia has been largely unplanned and unregulated. With 1.5% population growth at national level and high urban growth rate such as 5% in capital Phnom Penh create many socio- economic, environmental and governance challenges to cities. The situation has led to rising concerns over the current capacity of infrastructure and public service to meet growing political, social and economic demand.

Despite the existence of the Phnom Penh Master Plan 2035, and many other national and sub-national laws, frameworks, and plans, capacity gaps in the cities on managing urbanization has become one of the priority areas for coming years if Cambodia to graduate to middle income level.

Urban numbers

Urban poverty rate is 9.5 percent which contributes to many social and economic challenges for city authorities

Household with lower incomes experienced greater difficulty securing affordable and safe housing

Around 8.4 percent of urban dwellers in cities deprived from adequate access to sanitation

Donors and partners

In Cambodia, the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction (MLMUPC) is the Government focal Ministry to UN-Habitat. UN-Habitat Country Manager is a member of the United Nations Country Team and various Technical Working Groups related to land and urbanization, including Humanitarian Response Forum and Shelter Working Group. UN-Habitat in Cambodia has partnerships local authorities and NGOs.

Donors

UNDP (incl. one UN fund)
Malteser International
Coca Cola Southeast Asia Inc.
Asian Development Bank

Contact

Vanna Sok
Habitat Programme Manager
UN-Habitat Cambodia

 

Cambodia

In partnership with the Royal Cambodian Government, UN-Habitat can help Cambodia to achieve a sustainable urban future. Any urban interventions undertaken by UN-Habitat and the Royal Government will need to be multi-sector and involve cooperation with other development partners (external funding and technical assistance grants) and partnerships with (local) government and the private sector as well as participatory development where various elements of civil society will be able to contribute to overall development of Cambodia. The close links across the sector strategies indicates the intentions of a pro-poor and pro-rural urban development strategy.

 

General information

 

Cambodia is at a critical junction to set the trajectory right for urban development and to start managing its urbanization process. A collaborative partnership with the government could set the right trajectory and follow key actions to guide future development:

  • Establish a vision for urban Cambodia - while an Urban Development Strategy is currently being prepared by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC), unless this is adequately consulted and considered as an integral part of the overall National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP), it will have little importance or impact, and will likely become an unfunded mandate.
  • Set in place mechanisms for integrated infrastructure planning and land use management, and enforce them. While some plans are currently in place for different sectors, these are usually limited integration. Good practices in planning also involve integrating goals for disaster risk reduction, climate resilience and green growth—which currently are not being considered. Most importantly, land use plans need to be regulated, as even with adequate plans, lack of enforcement creates severe challenges.
  • Develop options for financing. Turning existing cities into modern cities of the future will require huge investments and, as evidenced worldwide, central government transfers and donor projects will not be enough to meet the needs. Options will be to borrow money and attract private investment – but to do so require cities to establish their creditworthiness by securing cash flows from user fees and taxes, and by leveraging the value of land in various ways, including through property taxes. This will require i) further enhancement of the decentralization policy; ii) capacity development of the city administrations; and iii) changes to land valuations and land management. This would need to be followed by creating a domestic credit market and establishing the conditions for cities to incur and issue debt.
  • Develop a multi-modal transport strategy and integrate transport planning with land use planning. The most visible impact of urbanization in cities across Asia is traffic congestion. The number of motorbikes and cars has increased exponentially, as witnessed even in Phnom Penh. Actions need to be taken now.
  • Make urban development inclusive. Burdened by insecure tenure, poor quality housing, lack of access to basic services, the urban poor bear an unequal share of the service shortfalls of the city. At the same time, rising land prices and the pressure to convert the lands occupied by the poor to high value property development, and the growing development needs of a rapidly expanding city have combined with the perceived illegality of informal settlements to cause involuntary displacements of large numbers of the poor. These pressures have increased the uncertainty of the urban poor of their future in the city and the growing fears have become a cause of public displays of social discontent and increased protests.

 

UN-Habitat projects in Cambodia

 

Since 1996, UN-Habitat has supported the Cambodian Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC), the Municipality of Phnom Penh (MPP) and Cambodia’s urban communities through a number of urban development projects through various projects and programmes. This includes:

  • Phnom Penh Urban Poverty Reduction Project – phase I, phase II (UK-DfID, UNDP)
  • Phnom Penh - Local partnership for poverty reduction – Phase I, Phase II (Human Security Trust Fund)
  • Draft Housing Policy (MLMUPC,UNDP, ESCAP) Major interventions supporting the MPP and urban poor communities ranged from:
  • In-situ upgrading and community development
  • Planned relocations and community mobilization/development
  • Policy and capacity development support for MPP through its urban poverty reduction unit
  • Strengthening of local governance and institution building for urban poor communities’ organizations.

Currently, UN-Habitat Cambodia is:

  • Supporting 7 provinces in Cambodia under the Mekong Water and Sanitation programme (MEK-WATSAN), implemented by Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy (MIME) and Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).
  • Providing technical assistance to the Climate Change and Cities Initiative in Sihanoukville as part of the Cambodia Climate Change Alliance Trust Fund, led by Preah Sihanouk local authority in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment.
  • Participating in the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) Cambodia.
  • Working with the government counterpart, the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC), who has been attending the Governing Council Meetings of UN-Habitat.
  • Seeking to further its activities in the areas of urban planning, land use planning, citywide upgrading and housing, water and sanitation, low cost resilient housing and climate change, disaster and climate change in Cambodia.
  • Represented by a Habitat Programme Manager and an Urban Development Specialist. 

 

Contacts

 

Mr. Vanna Sok Habitat Programme Manager for Cambodia United Nations Human Settlements Programme habitat.fukuoka@unhabitat.org

 

 

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Since 1992, UN-Habitat has collaborated with the Government of the People’s Republic of China to promote housing and sustainable urbanization. China has supported UN-Habitat with information dissemination on the outcomes of the Habitat II and Habitat III conferences and on other relevant issues. The fourth World Urban Forum was held in Nanjing in 2008, under the theme of harmonious urbanization and balanced territorial development. The Government of China and Shanghai called for the establishment of the yearly World Cities Day in 2014, as a UN Day. UN-Habitat engages in China under a Framework of Cooperation with the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. The UN-Habitat China office has collaborations with national agencies and cities in China, on urban planning and design, urban public space, regeneration, heritage, smart cities, rural revitalization and other topics. UN-Habitat engages with Chinese partners on diagnostic studies on the spatial challenges of metropolitan cities and neighbourhoods and promotes participatory planning and design tools. It cohosts national and international meetings, from Expert Group Meetings on a variety of specialized topics to international forums on the promotion of the New Urban Agenda.

Impact

Urban numbers

Challenges

China’s industrialization and urbanization changed the country and the world over the last 40 years. Hundreds of millions of people saw their quality of life significantly increase. But the economic, environmental and social challenges of metropolitan and urban development are significant as well, for instance the cost of housing, air pollution and the dependency of local authorities to derive revenue from selling land.

The planning, building and management of cities in China needs to address moreover an increasing diversity and complexity of issues. Regional development disparities are still increasing. The pressure on green areas and ecological assets remains significant, while greening the economy will take time. The quality of life of citizens, requires a multitude of innovations, to make cities more child-friendly and suitable for elderly and to promote participation in planning and governance across the board.

Donors and partners

The success of our work in China is the result of successful partnerships with local partners, particularly with local authorities and professional institutions. Through the programme, UN-Habitat identifies and mobilizes diverse local partners who can contribute to planning and design better public space. By creating People-Oriented Public Space Programme, UN-Habitat engages local authorities to take action towards better public space for all. Moreover, the Programme has also joined the Global Public Space Programme.

 

Contact

Zhenshan Zhang
Habitat Programme Manager for China
UN-Habitat China Office

 

 China

  • Total value of UN-Habitat investments (2008-2013): US$ 1,768,654
  • Total number of UN-Habitat projects (2008-2013): 6 projects
  • Main donors: BASF AG-Germany, Asian Development Bank, Chinese Ministry of Construction and the Construction Bureau of Jiangyin city.
  • Implementing partners: UNICEF, Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST); Administrative Centre for China's Agenda 21 (ACCA21, affiliated to MoST); China Architecture, Design and Research Group (CADRG); Sichuan provincial government; Local governments (Hongshe village, Shidi township of Mianzhu city, Deyang prefecture).

UN-Habitat presence in China has been made more visible through co-organizing with the Chinese government the high-profile conferences and events and the nomination process for the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honor Award.

 

General information

 

UN-Habitat-China has been further strengthened through the implementation of the Water for Asian Cities Programme, Climate Change in Cities Initiative, Green and Sustainable Urban Development, Disaster Reduction and Rehabilitation in China’s Cities and the appointment of Habitat Programme Manager in October 2009. UN-Habitat’s strategy in China focused on 7 thematic areas:

  • Further Promotion of Advocacy and Networking
  • Supporting Urban Planning and Management
  • Climate Change and Sustainable Urban Development
  • Supporting Urban Infrastructure Development
  • Strengthening Disaster Prevention and Risk Reduction
  • Shelter Development
  • Capacity Building

 

 

UN-Habitat projects in China

 

City Wide Strategy for Wuzhuo

This project was to rethink and redraw the Wuzhou District Plan, in response to the policy to shift industrial development from the coastal areas of China towards the Midwest. The policy shift presented the city of Wuzhou with the challenge of accommodating new industries and a forecasted one million new citizens by 2030.The revised Plan, be based on UN-Habitat principles of urban compactness and connectivity is currently under approval.

Project Duration: 2014-2015 Implementing Partners: Guangzhou Planning Institute

Public Space in Wuhan

UN-Habitat is partnering with the Wuhan Land Use and Urban Spatial Planning Research Center (WLSP) to promote urban public space in China. The programme will focus on turning the largest urban lake of China - Donghu or East Lake - into a connected, integrated and people-friendly green space in the center of metropolitan Wuhan. Over a preiod of three years, UN-Habitat will support the city and WLSP as they roll out the first phase of the ambitious Donghu Greenway, turning the 33 square kilometers of lake area into accessible and diverse places of culture and leisure.

Project Duration: 2016 - ongoing

UN Participation of the World Exposition Shanghai China 2010 (A094) Location: Shanghai, China     Main partners and beneficiaries: UN organizations, Shanghai Municipal Government

Support to the development of City to City Cooperation between China and Africa (C272) Location: Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province     Main partners and beneficiaries: Kunshan Municipal Government

Earthquake  Resistant Reconstruction of Yongquan Primary School (D253) Location: Ya’an City,     Main partners and beneficiaries: BASF; Ministry of Science and Technology(MoST); Administrative Centre for China's Agenda 21 (ACCA21); China Architecture Design and Research Group (CAG); Sichuan provincial government; Local governments

UN-Habitat Beijing Information Office (A609) Location: Beijing, China     Main partners and beneficiaries: Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Department(MoHURD)

UN-Habitat Support to Asia Development Bank (ADB), City Development Initiative for Asian Cities (D319) Main partners and beneficiaries: Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC)-Philippines, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Philippines, Local Government Academy (LGA)-Philippines, Administrative Center for China's Agenda 21 (ACCA21), Mayore Chapter, Urban and Regional Development Institute (URDI), Sevanatha and Marrg

Low Carbon Economy and Sustainable Urban Development Pilot Project - Jiangyin Non-Development Zone Practice (D323) Location: Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China     Main partners and beneficiaries: Jiangyin Municipal Government

Xi’an Chanba Ecological Zone Sustainable Development Project (D 381) Location: Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, China     Main partners and beneficiaries: Energy Foundation; Xi’an Chanba Ecological Zone Management Committee

Repair of Yongquan and Muma Schools (D386) Location: Ya’an City, and Meishan City, Sichuan Province China     Main partners and beneficiaries: BASF; Ministry of Science and Technology(MoST); Administrative Centre for China's Agenda 21 (ACCA21); China Architecture Design and Research Group (CAG); Sichuan provincial government; Local governments

Water for Asian Cities Programme     Location: Nanjing Kunming Mianyang     Main partners and beneficiaries: Local authorities, Water Utilities, Schools

Mekong Water and Sanitation Initiative     Location: Jinghong, Puer, Shuangjiang     Main partners and beneficiaries: Local authorities, Water Utilities, Schools

 

 

Contacts

 

Mr. Zhang Zhenshan (HPM for China) Mr. Zhang Muxi (Project Officer) Room 504, South Wing Building No. 9 Sanlihe Road Haidian District Beijing, China Tel: +86 10 58934502 Fax: +86 10 58934502 Email: habitat.fukuoka@unhabitat.org

 

 

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Mongolia

Overview

Since 2006 UN-Habitat has supported the Government of Mongolia and Municipality of Ulaanbaatar City in ger area (informal settlement) upgrading policy formulation and its implementation and National Urban Policy development. Through its technical assistances, UN-Habitat aimed to introduce the participatory planning and development approaches into the conventional urban development and planning systems of the country.

Overview

Mongolia has a population of 3.03 million, growing at a rate of 1.7 percent annually. Almost half (47 percent) of the country’s population is currently living in its capital city and the share of the urban population has increased to 67 percent of the total population. Since the 1990s, Ulaanbaatar-Capital city of Mongolia has had limited formal extension of its core, which largely comprises apartment blocks with comprehensive utility services, including dedicated heating, water, and sanitation. However, successive waves of in-migration with Ger tents have reshaped the city’s geography, with (i) little improvement or extension of basic urban services; and (ii). A vast, low-density peri-urban area, commonly and collectively referred to as Ger areas, now extends around the city core, characterized by unplanned settlements of low- and medium-income households with land ownership, un-serviced plots, unpaved roads and poor facilities due to government policy since 2003, to grant each citizen about 700 square meters of land. Settlement growth here is much faster than urban development and is projected to increase by another 40 percent by 2020.

Lack of long-term planning, infrastructure investment, and land use regulation in Ger areas have resulted in haphazard development, limited availability of space for public facilities, poor access to socioeconomic services and insufficient livelihood opportunities. The lack of basic urban infrastructure is preventing people to move out of poverty. The service gap between the city core and Ger areas means Ger residents are poorly connected to the city core and poorly integrated in the urban economy, and this is one of the most urgent and difficult development challenges. While various government and development partner initiatives have significantly improved living conditions in Ger areas, approaches have generally focused on specific sectors, failing to design a sustainable vision and provide integrated solutions for the problems.

Urban numbers

Urban population (% of total) in Mongolia was reported at 72.82 % in 2016.

47 percent of the Mongolia population is currently living in Ulaanbaatar- the capital city.

54.4 % of Ulaanbaatar city’s population live in Ger areas with inadequate basic services

Donors and partners

UN-Habitat works in close collaboration with national and local governments, international and national non-government organizations, academia, community organizations and communities.

Donors

WHO
Ulaanbaatar City Government
Asian Development Bank
Adaptation Fund Board

 

Mongolia

  • Total value of UN-Habitat investments (2008-2013): US$ 69,265
  • Total number of UN-Habitat projects (2008-2013): 1 project
  • Main donors: Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Mongolia is located in the heart of Central Asia, between Peoples’ Republic of China and the Russian Federation. Total population is about 2.7 million living over the territory of density 1,566,500 km2. Since early 1990s the country made steady progress from planned to a market-let economy which is migrated sparely settled nomadic population to capital city, Ulaanbaatar. As a result, over 60 percent of the nation’s population is now urban.

 

General information

 

  2010 2011 2012 Urban Population 1,910,745 1,896,293 1,926,625 Level of Urbanization (%) 69.02 67.44 67.18 Poverty level (%) 38.7 33.7 27.4 Poverty level of Urban (%) 33.1 28.6 23.2 Improved Drinking water Coverage (%) over 50 82 n/a   Improved sanitation coverage (%) over 30 51 n/a

 

 

UN-Habitat projects in Mongolia

 

The UN-Habitat has been working in Mongolia since 2006 with focus on the city of Ulaanbaatar city’s with the key activities on development areas highlighted below:

1) The Citywide Ger Area Upgrading Strategy and Investment Plan Project (GUSIP, 2006-2010) funded by the Cities Alliance has assisted the Municipality of Ulaanbaatar (MUB) in the preparation of the first Citywide Pro-poor Ger-area Upgrading Strategy of Ulaanbaatar City in 2006-2007, which was approved by the Ulaanbaatar City Citizens’ Representative Council in July 2007 for its implementation. The Strategy classified the ger areas into three zones: central, middle, and peri-urban, which enabled the government and its development partners to properly nuance the interventions based on the characteristics of each zone.

2) The Community-Led Ger Area Upgrading Project in Ulaanbaatar City in Mongolia (2009-2013) was launched to support the implementation of the above Ger area Upgrading Strategy in the middle ger areas of Ulaanbaatar City. The project’s goal was to improve the quality of life of approximately 50,000 ger area residents in Ulaanbaatar City through a community-led ger area upgrading approach in the five selected project areas. Under the community mobilization component of the project 5 khoroo CDCs and 47 kheseg CDCs, 191 primary groups have been organized and remained active. The CAPs were reviewed and updated annually to reflect the change in priority needs of the communities. 15 community facilities and 135 small access infrastructures identified based on the CAPs have been constructed and are being used by the area residents. 792 CDC members and other residents got temporary employment while building the sub- and micro-projects. 81 community members got permanent employment after community facilities started their operation. 17 Community members got temporary employment as construction workers implementing sub-project.

 

 

Contacts

 

UN-Habitat Mongolia Room #609, UN-HouseUnited Nations Street-12Sukhbaatar DistrictUlaanbaatar -14201, Mongolia Telephone: +976-11-322711 Fax: + 976-11-322711 Email: mail@unhabitat-mongolia.org

 

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In this decade UN-Habitat support to Government and people of Nepal is primarily focused on four sectors: Urban Planning, Housing, and climate change, Land, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Disaster.

 

Impact

Urban numbers

Challenges

Nepal is one of the fast urbanizing countries in South Asia. Haphazard and unplanned urban sprawl have contributed to the growth of slums and informal settlements, inequalities, and inadequacy of basic services including housing, water and sanitation facilities. Unjust land tenure and ineffective land management are further challenges to shared prosperity and development. The pressures of urbanization on natural and cultural resources and assets are huge.  Development gains are at risk of recurrent disasters.

As a landlocked and least-developed country, with a fairly recent legacy of civil war and significant outbound migration, Nepal nonetheless promulgated a federal constitution and set into motion devolution to local governments. The call for transformative commitments of the New Urban Agenda is of strong relevance to Nepal, with regard to ending poverty in urban and rural settlements, increasing spatial inclusion, promoting a productive urban economy that provides opportunities to children and youth and creating safe, green, healthy and resilient places for all people.

Donors and partners

UN-Habitat works in partnership with different partners like Government Ministries, municipalities and local authorities, NGOs/ CBOs and academia. Nepal programme has also joined with Global Land Tool Network (GLTN), Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC).

Contact

Padma Sunder Joshi
Habitat Programme Manager

 

  • Total value of UN-Habitat investments (2008-2015) : US$ 14, 890, 629
  • Total number of UN-Habitat projects (2008-2015): 16 projects
  • Main donors: European Union, Government of Japan, Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF), Global Sanitation Fund (GSF) UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UN-CERF), United Nations Peace Fund for Nepal (UNPFN)
  • Implementing partners: other UN agencies such as UNICEF and UNDP; IOM. Municipalities, local and international NGOs including Lumanti, CIUD, ENPHO and many others.

 

General information

 

Nepal is one of the least urbanized countries in South Asia at 18.2% but one of the fastest urbanizing, with a national urbanization rate (average annual change of the percentage urban, 2010-2015) of 2%. Being in the global list of Least Developed Countries the country is overwhelmed by urbanization challenges due to haphazard and unprecedented urban growth. The cities of Nepal are facing many problems indicating to an unsustainable urban future. Kathmandu valley is the single largest urban centre in Nepal encompassing more than half of the urban population.

The Gorkha Earthquake of 2015 which killed more than 8000 people, further exacerbated problems, brought about huge economic losses, structural damages, setting the countries’ development back at least a decade.

With recent addition there are 217 municipalities in Nepal. The failure of rural economy, the insurgency that took place in the country for 10 years and elongated political transition has moved large number of people from villages to cities. One of the major challenges Nepal is facing is the sustainability of urbanization as lack of effective planning and growing infrastructure demands. The political situation remains in a state of turmoil in the absence of local elections for more than decade, affecting municipal governance.

In addition to its fragile political environment and unabated population growth Nepal remains one of the vulnerable countries in the world owing to the climate change and environmental issues. The average annual temperature rise by 0.060C and frequent erratic rains is having impacts on livelihoods and economy of the country.

In this regard, UN-Habitat’s activities have been focused to supporting the government to target Nepal’s urbanization, climate change issues, environment and sanitation, shelter as well as land issues by targeting stakeholders, policy makers, civil society and as well as empowering urban poor for securing a better urban future in the country.

 

 

UN-Habitat projects in Nepal

 

UN-Habitat has been supporting the government of Nepal and its people since the 1980’s in various areas of human settlements and urban development. It established its office in Kathmandu in 2006, and provides support in the areas of water and sanitation, shelter and land, slum upgrading, green development climate change and urban mobility through the following projects:

Shelter Provisions for Most Vulnerable House-holds before and during Monsoon (2015-2016):

Shelter support for vulnerable households through the ‘Peoples Process’ for 5 Earthquake affected districts of Nepal- Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Sindhupalchowk, Dalakha, supported by the Government of Japan. More than 2,200 families were provided with temporary shelter provisions. Technical support is provided for safer construction and helped the communities in safer building of temporary shelters.

 

Nepal Earthquake Emergency Response (2015 – 2016)

After the 25 March 2015 earthquake, UN-Habitat surge specialists supported the IFRC Shelter Cluster lead and the formulation of the Post Disaster Needs Assessment. It provided an early assessment for the policy response in the Kathmandu Valley and the capital city. Thereafter, together with IOM, UN-Habitat took over the coordination of the shelter organisations, with the Government and IOM, in collaboration with DFID and SDC, in order to maximize winter assistance and preparations towards the reconstruction. UN-Habitat's sanitation programme also mobilised support for the WASH sector.

 

Urban Land, Legislation and Governance: Catalytic Support to Land Issues (2013-2015):

Under UN Peace Fund for Nepal (UNPFN) this initiative is supporting the government in its land management and land use planning to mitigate land related conflicts in association with UNDP and IOM. The project will implement pilot initiatives in three selected VDCs of Surkhet, Nawalparasi and Morang districts.

 

Empowering Women 4 Women: Access to Land for Sustainable Peace in Nepal (2015-2016)

This initiative is the continuation of the Catalytic Support to Land Issues project, focusing on women land holding and ownership. This project will empower women by helping to increase the ownership of women on land as women land holding in the country is minimal.

Urban Planning and Design: Green Homes – Promoting Sustainable Housing in Nepal (2013-2015)

With the financial assistance of EU, UN-Habitat is promoting environment friendly, green products and services in housing sector to reduce green house gases, promote green jobs thereby reduce urban poverty. The main target groups/beneficiaries of the project are national policy makers (MoUD and DUDBC), municipalities, SMEs involved in sustainable housing, poor urban youth, particularly women, consumers of sustainable housing, professionals, researchers and general public and partner organizations. This initiative is primarily focused in three municipalities viz. Pokhara, Lalitpur and Dharan. Helping the government to bring green building code, promotional policies of municipalities to encourage construction of green homes and availability of green model and services.

Revitalizing Kirtipur: Promoting People-entric Pond and Public Space Management (2013-2016)

Conserving the open spaces and its best utilization in the changed urban context is vital to safeguard such spaces against competing urban uses. It is important to bring people on board to protect and use these spaces. Under this project UN-Habitat is helping local community and municipality for the conservation of traditional open spaces and its better use.

Continuity to this initiative public space improvement work will be implemented in 2016 under this initiative.

Urban Basic Services: Global Sanitation Fund (2010-2017)

The GSF program in Nepal aims to help the Government achieve the National Goal of universal sanitation coverage by 2017 with focus on achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and promoting hygiene behaviors. The coverage of the programme has been extended to 17 districts. By doing so, it contributes to progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), especially those to reduce child mortality (Goal 4) and to ensure environmental sustainability (Goal 7).

People-entred Mobility (2013)

UN-Habitat is providing technical support to civil society and the government in promoting people-centred mobility. Promotion of non-motorized vehicles, public transportation, pedestranization are some of the areas covered.

Housing and Slum Upgrading: Operational Policy Guidelines for Urban Informal Settlements (2013)

UN-Habitat helped Government of Nepal to draft the policy guidelines to address the shelter need of informal settlements.

Support to Urban Poor Housing with Cooperative Financing (2013-14)

Under the request of the government UN-Habitat provided technical support to develop guidelines on promoting cooperative financing to cater the shelter need of low income group in cities.

Priority Action for Life-Saving Response through Integrated Nutrution, WASH and Health Interventions - (2012)

 

Building Back Safer early recovery pilot project for Sihara - (2012 - 2013)

 

Integrated Shelter Assistance for 225 Landless Households Affected by the Koshi Floods- (2009-2011)

 

The Provision of Vocational Training for Returning IDPs Affected by the Koshi Flood Priority (2009)

 

Non-Food Items and Emergency Shelter Assistance to IDPs and Returnees Induced by Conflict (2008) - CERF

 

Risk Reduction and Rehabilitation (Ongoing)

UN-Habitat with its mandate and being the co-lead of Shelter Cluster under IASC is leading and supporting the government in networking and preparing for shelter need as a recovery.  

 

Contacts

 

Mr. Padma Sunder Joshi Habitat Programme Manager for Nepal UN-HABITAT P.O. Box 107 Pulchowk Lalitpur, Nepal Tel: + 977 1 5542816 Fax: + 977 1 5539877 unhabitat.nepal@unhabitat.org.np www.unhabitat.org.np

 

 

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In Sri Lanka, cooperation between the Government and UN-Habitat has a long history, dating back to 1978, with UN-Habitat providing assistance to a range of national programmes, city-based projects, policy support and post disaster and post conflict reconstruction assistance.

Impact

Urban numbers

Challenges

Sri Lanka currently stands at an urban paradox with regard to urbanisation. According to the last census (2012), Sri Lanka was populated by 20.3 Mn people, including 3.7 Mn urban residents (18.2 per cent of the population). Due to this small urban population, Sri Lanka is ranked as the 11th least urbanized country in the world in the 2018 UN World Urbanisation Prospects (UNDESA, 2018). However, there is considerable evidence that official urban population data masks the true extent of the country’s urbanization. According to the Agglomeration Index, Sri Lanka’s urban population is between 35 – 45 per cent while GOSL policy documents estimate a 50 per cent urban population (GOSL 2017).

Urban sprawl, land scarcity, climate change and disaster risk vulnerability, environmental pollution, encroachment of ecologically sensitive areas, urban traffic congestion, diminishing green cover, inadequate housing and poor access to services in underserved settlements and plantations are some of the main challenges to sustainable urbanization in Sri Lanka.

Donors and partners

UN-Habitat Sri Lanka adopts a participatory process in the implementation of all its programmes. All initiatives are developed and implemented in partnership with a range of key stakeholders and partners. At the commencement of programmes, effective partnerships are formed within the community to ensure collaborative decision making, problem solving and resource sharing. Communities are instilled with a sense of ownership, trust, solidarity and accountability by working together as a team. Effective links between the communities, local and central government departments, civil society, community based organisations and donors facilitate a smooth transition of benefits through these programmes to the people of Sri Lanka.

 

  •  Total value of UN-Habitat investments (2008-2013): US$ 44,385,934
  • Total number of UN-Habitat projects (2008-2013): 18 projects
  • Main donors: International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), Australian Aid Agency (AusAID), European Commission (EC), Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Government of India and the Government of Sri Lanka
  • Implementing partners: local government ministries, agencies and other local authorities; international NGOs such as the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), as well as other UN agencies like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Sri Lanka has a total population of 20 million and the annual population growth is less than 1%. The country has benefited from the conclusion of a three decade long conflict in 2009 and the country’s achievement of Middle Income Country (MIC) status. Sri Lanka has made good progress on MDGs with early achievement of its targets on safe drinking water, and basic sanitation. Overall access to secure tenure is 95.2%.

 

General information

 

Although official figures state that the urban population has increased by only 2% over the past decade, there has been rapid urban development through the expansion of urban areas. This urbanization calls for increased investment in basic urban services, mass transportation, improved road safety, reduction of air/noise pollution, environmental hazards and improved town planning.

Since 1978, UN-Habitat has assisted in the development of human settlements policies in Sri Lanka, ranging from the Colombo City Master Plan in the 1980’s to advocating enabling approaches that promoted participatory planning and development, focusing on reduction of poverty and promoting inclusiveness. Parallel to these efforts, UN-Habitat has shared its global experience to assist Sri Lanka in mitigating the impacts of natural/manmade disasters.

Key achievements of the recent past include assisting the communities to construct nearly 40,000 post-disaster houses, national/local interventions in climate change mitigation, DRR and innovative low income settlement upgrading programmes.

 

 

UN-Habitat projects in Sri Lanka

 

Project for Rehabilitation of Community Infrastructure and Facilities in the Conflict Affected Areas in Northern Province of Sri Lanka

  • Donor: Government of Japan
  • Location: Killinochchi and Mullaitivu districts
  • Outcome: 60 km of internal access roads including culverts, 14 RWH facilities, 14 km of masonry storm water drains, 19 community centers, 19 pre-schools, 130,00 trees planted.

 

Indian Housing Project

  • Donor: Government of India
  • Location: Killinochchi, Mullaitivu & Jaffna districts
  • Outcome: 16,800 houses, skills and alternative technologies training.

 

Improving Living Conditions in Returnee Areas of Sri Lanka through Housing

  • Donor: EU, Australian Government, SDC
  • Location: Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, Batticaloa and Mannar districts
  • Outcome: 4,350 houses and community infrastructure.

 

Support to Conflict Affected People through Housing

  • Donor: EU, Government of Australia, SDC
  • Location: Vavuniya, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar districts
  • Outcome: 5,049 houses and community infrastructure.

 

Disaster Resilient City Development Strategies Sri Lankan (Phase I and II)

  • Donor: Government of Australia
  • Location phase I: Cities of Batticaloa, Ratnapura, Kalmunai and Balangoda (concluded)
  • Location phase II: Cities of Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Akkaraipattu
  • Outcome: Vulnerability assessments, Preparation of Disaster Preparedness Plans, Capacity building of Local Authorities to promote disaster resilient human settlements.

 

 

Contacts

 

Address: UN-Habitat Programme Manager, United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) 202-204, Bauddhaloka Mawatha Colombo - 07, Sri LankaPhone: +94 (0) 11 2580691 Ext: 342Fax: +94 (0) 11 2581116Web: www.unhabitat.lkEmail: info@unhabitat.lk

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