Sustainable Africa: Why Cities of the Future Must Consider Health in Urban Planning
In a rapidly urbanising world, cities must consider the health impacts of urban policies and projects. Meelan Thondoo and Mark Nieuwenhuijsen highlight the situation in Mauritius’ capital Port Louis and make a strong case for participatory quantitative Health Impact Assessments, a promising and practical tool to ensure healthy, equity-driven and sustainable cities.
Mapping Makoko: A Community Stating its Right to Exist
Makoko, one of Lagos' largest slums, used to be a blank spot on the map for most of its history. This has been changing with a community-based digital mapping project that enables the residents to articulate their rights.
An Epidemic Might Cure Venice
Researchers from MIT Civic Data Design Lab investigate Venice's tourism dynamics by employing spatial data on urban form and tourist facilities. Their goal is to envision what Venice's post-pandemic urban life could look like.
I (don’t) want to live here! Exploring perceptions of liveability in Bangladesh
What makes people prefer one place over another? Liveability is a popular topic, but smaller cities are still left unexplored. Istiakh Ahmed from the International Centre for Climate Change and Development wonders what residents in coastal Bangladesh consider a liveable, even loveable city.
Building Resilience from the Ground Up: Indonesia’s Coastal Cities
As one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change and sea level rise, Indonesia’s archipelago may be a wellspring of solutions for the future of coastal cities in the region. It has to start from the ground up argues Barry Beagen, Programme Director at Kota Kita Foundation.
What it’s Like to be a Woman during COVID-19 – The Indian Experience
What happens when you combine a country’s taboo on female menstrual health with the impact of a global pandemic? Dr Saswati Chaudhuri highlights the situation of the urban poor in India and paints a rather alarming picture of how the most common needs of Indian women are (not) met.
Urban Development in Mumbai and its Effect on Coastal Communities
Coastal regions have always had significant historical and socio-political value, making them the target of ambitious urban development plans. Amit Devale zooms in on the situation of Mumbai’s indigenous coastal tribes and their relationship with the city – and how local government plans affect their lives.
And I Thought Public Spaces are Meant for Everyone!
Public spaces in India lack even the most basic amenities, making them unsafe for women and the vulnerable. Priya Varadarajan explores different obstacles and solutions – and recounts a very personal tale of what it means to be a woman in today’s India.
Local Governance in Nigeria: An Unsettling State of Affairs
Local governments in Nigeria have financial autonomy – technically. Idayat Hassan, Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development in Abuja, reveals why they are still severely disempowered and what needs to be done to revive them.