Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
nonetheless, all SCP city projects follow the same general approach, and all
are implemented through the same series of activities known as the SCP
process [9].
The SCP recognises that environmental deterioration is not inevitable.
Although many, perhaps even most, cities are still suffering severe envi-
ronmental and economic damage, there are encouraging signs. Some cities
are learning how to better plan and more effectively manage the process of
urban development, avoiding or alleviating environmental problems while
realising the positive potentials of city growth and change. The SCP aims to
support cities in finding—and managing—development paths that are more
effectively fitted to their environmental opportunities and constraints.
There is a common
approach
that is shared by all SCP cities and that holds
true across the full range of partner cities [9].
1. Central focus on development-environment interactions
2. Broad-based participation by public, private and community groups
3. Concern for inter-sectoral and inter-organisational aspects
4. Reliance on bottom-up and demand-led responses
5. Focus on process - problem-solving and getting things done
6. Emphasis on local capacity building
More recent initiatives in this field are promoted by various organisa-
tions. The Urban Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS) project,
funded by the European Commission and implemented by UN-Habitat and
the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI),* has
the objective of enhancing the transition to low emission urban develop-
ment in emerging economy countries. It offers selected local governments in
Brazil, India, Indonesia and South Africa a comprehensive methodological
framework (the GreenClimateCities methodology)
†
to integrate low-carbon
strategies into all sectors of urban planning and development. Another
initiative is the Cities and Climate Change Initiative (CCCI) that builds
on UN-Habitat's long experience in sustainable urban development. The
initiative helps counterparts to develop and implement pro-poor and inno-
vative climate change policies and strategies. CCCI also is developing a suite
*
ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability is the world's leading association of more than
1000 metropolises, cities, urban regions and towns representing over 660 million people in
86 countries. ICLEI promotes local action for global sustainability and supports cities to
become sustainable, resilient, resource efficient, biodiverse, low carbon; to build a smart
infrastructure; and to develop an inclusive, green urban economy with the ultimate aim of
achieving healthy and happy communities. Website: http://www.iclei.org
†
ICLEI's GreenClimateCities programme offers a process to local governments integrating
low emission alternatives into their planning processes and policies. It has a clear method-
ology, with guidance and/or tools provided for each step. For further information, refer to
http://www.iclei.org/our-activities/our-agendas/low-carbon-city/gcc.html
