Master Progra m on International nternational Urba n Develop Develop ment
Master Thesis
URB N SUSTA INA BILITY VISIONS
PUBL PU BLIIC PERC EPTIO
A C a se St ud y o f HC HC M C
Sup e rviso rviso rs: rs: Pro Pro f. osta osta M a they & Prof. Mic Mic ha el chmidt Wri Writte tt e n b y stud stud ent : Thuy Duong Duong Pha m
H Chi Minh City, July 2011
Abstract
The future of our world is the future of cities. Therefore, building a holistic guiding framework for urban sustainability, which can be used in urban governance, decision-making, capacity building, education and public awareness raising is a critical key for a sustainable future. The thesis uses visionary and holistic approach in dealing with urban issues. What makes a livable and sustainable city? How do people perceive urban sustainability? How do people envision their dream cities? Among many aspects of urban development, what matter most to them? What are public perceptions on current urban development in HCMC? This thesis seeks to find answers for these questions, from suggestions of experts and think tanks, to people’s opinions, their hopes and dreams. Beside the international document research and the global online survey, the case of public perception in Ho Chi Minh City was also investigated with both online and offline questionnaires and interviews of people in some slum areas. Findings from experts bring out that sustainability associates with balance and equity in a comprehensive approach, which acknowledges the interrelationships among various dimensions of life and our interconnectedness with each other and with natural systems. Urban sustainability strives for ecological balance, low-carbon economic development, social inclusion and cultural vitality. Among these dimensions, good governance which is accountabl accountable, e, transparent, transparent, democratic democratic and efficient efficient plays a vital role as inclusive decision decision making processes toward sustainability. A series of concepts and features for urban sustainability such as sense of place, green, human friendliness, renewable energy, waste recycling, bicycle friendly and walkable neighborhoods, rainwater harvesting, affordable housing, inclusiveness, e-governance… has been developed in the questionnaire to test responses from public perception on their desirable city. Most of these ideas were well received by respondents; this proves that a sustainable city can also be a desirable and lovable city. On the other hand, findings from survey of public perception on HCMC’s urban performance as well as field study in some slum areas in the city present quite a gloomy picture. Poverty alleviation, education, empowerment, capacity building and public awareness raising are recommended for bringing about social change toward a sustainable urban future. 2
Acknowledgments From Daisy with love First of of all, I wish to express express my sincere sincere gratitude gratitude to the two superviso supervisors, rs, Prof. Kosta Kosta Mathey and Prof. Prof. Michae Michaell Schmidt Schmidt for their their kind guidance guidance and for for giving giving me a chance chance to join this wonderful UDP course. I greatly appreciate appreciate the consideration consideration of our course coordinators, coordinators, Dr. Dr. Harry Storch and Prof. Karl Karl Klügel. Klügel. Thank Thank you so much much for believ believing ing in me and that is such a big encouragement! I am especially grateful to my dear friend Nigel Downes, who introduced me to this course, for his supporting as always. I would like to express a huge thanks to all of our Professors Professors and Teachers for the lectures, excursions and inspiration! Many thanks to the research research group of Megacity Megacity HCMC project for the knowledge I got from their workshops and discussions. Thank you all my friends and the staffs at VGU for the assistance and for our memories during these last two years together. I also respectfu respectfully lly acknowledg acknowledgee Dr. Bui Van Nam Son for for his devoted devoted consultati consultation. on. This study cannot be done done without the responses from more than two hundreds hundreds people all over the world. I would like to thank you all, each and everyone! It was such an honor and pleasure pleasure for me to read your your various various comments. comments. Thank Thank you very very much too, my friends friends,, who had helped promote the survey through their blogs, websites and social networks. My sympathy goes out to the interviewees in slum areas that I have talked to during the field study in May. It was a unique and transformative transformative experience. I really hope that life will be better for you all. Finally, I would like to take this chance to express the the deepest gratitude and love from my heart to my parents and beloved ones for their endless support and care. I know no words would be enough...
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Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………… 5 1.1 Rationale......................................................................................................................................5 1.2 Research aims .............................................. .................................................. .............................. 8
2. APPROACH & METHODOLOGY ……………………………………………………………9 2.1 Backcasting and systems approach..............................................................................................9 2.2 Research methodology...............................................................................................................11
3. URBAN SUSTAINABILITY VISIONS ………………………………………………………14 Principles for Sustainability.............................................................................................................14 3.1 Ecological balance.....................................................................................................................20 City as a regenerative and symbiosis system...............................................................................20 Urban ecology and integrated land use....................................................................................23 Urban agriculture.....................................................................................................................24 3.2 Economic development .......................................... .................................................. ................. 26 Towards a low-carbon economy..................................................................................................26 Energy conservation and renewable energy ............................................... ............................. 28 ICT for low-carbon urban development .............................................. .................................... 30 3.3 Social connectedness and cultural vitality.................................................................................32 Social sustainability.....................................................................................................................33 Cultural sustainability..................................................................................................................35 Spiritual values .............................................. ................................................. ......................... 37 3.4 Good governance .......................................... ................................................. ............................ 38
4. URBAN SUSTAINABILITY & PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS …………………………………42 4.1 Results Results from global online survey .......................................... ................................................. .. 43 4.2 Results from surveys in HCMC.................................................................................................57 4.2.1 Results from online and offline questionnaires ............................................... ................... 57 4.2.2 Results from interviews in slum areas .............................................. .................................. 63
5. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION …………………………………………………..66 5.1 Concluding remarks...................................................................................................................67 5.2 Recommendations for HCMC .......................................... .................................................. ....... 68 REFERENCES………………….……………………………..……………………………………...…… 70 APPENDIX I Sample of Global Online Survey..............................................................................75 APPENDIX APPENDIX II Sample of Survey in HCMC .......................................... ......................................... 78 APPENDIX APPENDIX III Semi-structure Semi-structure Interviews in Slum Areas of HCMC .......................................... ... 85 APPENDIX IV Concept Notes for Sustainability Education..........................................................87 4
1. Introduction
“If sustainable development does not start in the cities, it simply will not go. Cities have to lead the way.” (Maurice Strong)1
1.1 Rationale It is since 2008, for the first time in human history, more than half of the world’s population now lives in cities. As urbanization continues to grow worldwide, to some extent, we can say that the future of our world is the future of cities. Urbanization has brought to us many benefits, especially in terms of economic and job opportunities. As centers of communication, education, science, religion, commerce, and political power, cities are hubs of innovations and great places for cultural and social exchange. In terms of environment, the concentration of people and resources provides us the advantages of energy efficiency and convenience in transportation, goods and services delivering, as well as helps preserve biodiversity by reducing the st ress on wildlife habitats (Miller 2004). As cradles of civilization, cities’ influences on culture and society have gone far beyond their proportion of the total population population (Cunningham (Cunningham et al 2003). In In earlier time, there was just a small percentage of population lived in urban areas, up to only 3% in 1800 and 13% in 1900 (Bugliarello 2008). Then, Then, together with population booming booming after World War II, industrialization has rapidly boosted urban expansion around the globe. However, most of these urbanizations, particularly those in developing countries, are more on quantity rather 2
than quality. In the international Sustainability Survey conducted by SustainAbility and GlobalScan (2011), most of the experts think that urbanization is a positive for global business, but a negative for society.
1
Chair of the Rio Summit, 1992, quoted in “ Urban Sustainability in New Zealand: An Information Resource for Urban Practitioners ” 2 The Sustainability Survey uses research-driven, expert insights to explore solutions to the biggest sustainability challenges, through ongoing engagement with more than 700 thought leaders from across 70+ countries and a variety of sectors (SustainAbility, GlobalScan 2011)
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In fact, while cities bring many advantages, they are a lso the cause of many environmental and social problems. Most of cities are not self-sustaining but must rely heavily on external sources such as food from farms, timbers from forests, minerals from mines, water from watersheds. Cities are big consuming clusters of materials and energy. Although city dwellers occupy only about 2% of the Earth’s land area, they consume about 75% of the Earth’s resources (Miller 2004).
Food
Waste
Energy Pollution Water
CITY Heat
Goods Noise Materials
INPUT Sources
THROUGHPUT Processes
O U T P UT S i n k s
Figure 1.1 City as an open, linear and unsustainable system The amount of waste outputs is even greater than the materials inputs because materials combine with air or water in the process of being used. Current urban systems are typical examples of the degenerative throughput pattern characterized by linear flows (Lyle 1994). Ultimately, while resources are being depleted, sinks become overloaded with huge wastes far beyond their capacity to assimilate. This one-way throughput system, like most man-made processes but unlike nature’s cycle flows, results in the twin consequences of resource depletion and environmental degradation. Under population and housing demand pressures, unplanned and uncontrolled “urbanization” spontaneously occurs. In many of the cases, it is merely urban sprawl or urban spreading into suburban areas, where it does not properly and fully function as genuine urbanization, lacking of public services, causing loss of landscape, loss of
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farmlands. Sometimes, it is characterized characterized by low density development, development, which is not energy efficient in general, particularly in terms of transportation. And in other times, it is characterized by too high density. Where physical (hard) and social (soft) infrastructure developments do not keep pace with urban expansion and become overloaded, where cities can not manage the excess unskilled labors, urbanization can create more slums, shantytowns, unemployment, poverty, urban segregation. On the other hand, man-made concrete buildings and asphalt roads absorb more heat, altering microclimate and natural hydrological cycle, limiting rainwater infiltration which can result in more urban flooding. The lack of nature in urban environment, lack of space and stressful city life can cause negative impact to human psychology. Sometimes, the hidden social problems related to industrialization and urbanization can be quite serious as the linkages within communities and between tradition and culture have broken down. Social alienation, lack of public life, isolation, ultimately results in increased crime and fear (Goldsmith 2000). Since our economies and societies depend so much on fossil fuel, particularly oil, in the 3
context of peak oil and climate change, many urban issues such as energy consumption, green house gas emission, urban flooding, transportation… become more complex and inextricable. Particularly, cities which stretch over flood plains or coast lines, are getting more vulnerable to natural disasters as sea level rising. So, nowadays, cities are facing many challenges on the path towards sustainability, given that sustainability is an honor goal to pursuit, characterized by livability in a comprehensive view. Urban development patterns can not be sustainable if in themselves there are potential risks of breakdown and collapse due to any ecological imbalance, inequitable distribution or social injustice. Unsustainable urban development, by default, means that it can not go far and continue in the long run.
3
The label for the problem of energy resource depletion, the day that oil production reaches a maximum and will subsequently begin to decline.
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1.2 Research aims “The fate of our cities is the fate of the Earth” (Callenbach 1992). Unfortunately, most of our urban development patterns nowadays are not sustainable. Hence, for our future to be possible, we need creative visions of urban sustainability which must be very different with current reality. Although urbanization causes many problems, urban densities also have in themselves great potential for socio-economic innovation and opportunities, for compact and energyefficient development. Moreover, the dark sides of urbanization do not always have to 4
manifest, but rather they are often exacerbated by bad planning and governance , low public environmental and social awareness. Since awareness involves creating a shared understanding of sustainability and a common sense of purpose among teams, institutions and organizations, it is essential that e veryone, especially those participates in the planning process, has a common understanding of what sustainability is and why our current system is not sustainable (Baxter (Baxter et al. 2009). Therefore, Therefore, building a holistic guiding framework for urban sustainability, which can be used in urban governance, decision-making, capacity building, education and public awareness raising is a critical key for a sustainable future. What makes a livable and sustainable city? How do people perceive urban sustainability? How do people envision their dream cities? What matters the most for them? This thesis seeks to find answers for these questions, questions, from suggestions of experts, and by listening to people’s voices, their hopes and dreams. Beside the international document research and the global online survey, the case of public perception in Ho Chi Minh City was also investigated.
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Findings from the international Sustainability Survey (SustainAbility, GlobalScan 2011) suggest that, poor city management, plus corruption are the greatest barriers to addressing urban issues.
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2. Approach & Methodology
“Success requires an understanding of the complex forces at work, a vision of the future and a strategy for making the vision a reality.” (Edwards 2005)
2.1 Backcasting and systems approach 5
This thesis uses visionary (backcasting ) and holistic (systems) approach in dealing with urban challenges and building the framework for sustainability. The concept of “backcasting” is a way of planning which begins with the vision of what we want in the future, and then goes back to the present, figures out what we have to do to get there. Having first a desirable vision in mind is a powerful step to manifest it in reality. As visions provide inspiration and guidance for decision-making towards sustainability, they allow us to ensure that our actions and strategies aligned with the direction we want to head and as efficiently as possible. Since backcasting starts with the final end, the image of the desired outcome, it usually refers to long time frames, where there is great uncertainty and less control over what may happen. Hence, the future vision may usefully be defined using principles rather than specifics (Outhwaite 2009). Backcasting does not describe for measurable and fixed targets and goals, but rather for flexible, evolutionary and continuously continuously re-created visions. “Backcasting is an opportunity to let go of the current reality for a moment and freely imagine what might be possible” (Outhwaite 2009). As forecasting mostly based on current trend, it tends to present a more limited range of options, hence stifling creativity and new possibilities, and more important, it projects the problems of today into the future. “When we start with problems, often the vision is limited to having fewer problems, or solving an isolated problem; it does not necessarily encompass how we can satisfy one’s needs more effectively, or how we can live rich and meaningful lives” (Hallsmith 2003). As Albert Einstein once said “the significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them”, backcasting is particularly 5
The Natural Steps – Backcasting: http://www.naturalstep.org/backcasting
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useful when current trends are part of the problems that we are trying to tackle. Thus, though forecasting is very effective if we are happy with current situation, if what we want is a very different future than the one we are headed toward, that is when we need to backcast backcast (Baxter (Baxter et al. 2009). In brief, backcasting is looking at the current situation from from a future perspective, which allows complex problems to be approached by let us first simply focus on outcomes, then think backwards to identify numerous potential pathways to reach the desired outcomes. In turn, exploring many alternatives makes it easier to find solutions that best fit and optimize all of the parts and relationships within the system toward achieving these outcomes (Haines et al. 2005). Therefore, backcasting is a helpful methodology in planning for urban sustainability because of the complexity of urban challenges and the need t o develop new ways of doing things to address them. Backward thinking is the core of where to start in systems thinking, a systems view and comprehensive approach that can help us to design smart and enduring solutions to problems. Systems thinking is a holistic approach which encourages us to see the “whole” - the bigger picture, so that we can structure more effective, effective, efficient and creative system system solutions. The systems view looks at the world in terms of relationships and integration, recognizing the essential interrelatedness interrelatedness and interdependence of all phenomena – physical, biological, biological, psychological, social, and cultural (Capra 1988). “In order to understand what’s behind our sustainability challenges, we need to step back and look at the big picture, see the connections, identify the root causes of our problems and find the leverage points for change” (Baxter et al. 2009). Systems approach attempts to widen the circle of understanding understanding in order to comprehend the connections that exist between all things in the web of life. It is a continuing process that involves honoring the past, being present, looking ahead, and keeping future generation generationss in mind mind (Newman (Newman and and Jennings Jennings 2008). 2008). Identifyin Identifying g cause cause – and – effect relationships requires us to see not only bigger but deeper, further in all dimensions of space and time. The following quote by Grazia is a beautiful metaphor metaphor on contemplation through longer time frames to recognize patterns: “Imagine you want to shoot an arrow. The further back you pull the bowstring, the further the arrow flies. The same is true for 10
our own understanding and vision. The further back we look into history, the further we can see into our future” f uture” (Grazia 2009). The holistic approach towards sustainable urban development is a strategic thinking to address the complex complex challenges of our urban issues. Thus, urban urban sustainability visions visions should encompass an integrated and interdisciplinary framework in which cities are considered as parts of larger natural ecosystems and socio-economic communities.
2.2 Research methodology Three research methods were used in this thesis: thesis: document research, questionnaire questionnaire (online and offline), and semi-structure interviews (fig. 2.1).
Figure 2.1 Thesis methodology methodology flowchart flowchart
The thesis starts first with international document research to seek for experts’ views and ideas on urban sustainability, the principles and ingredients of a s ustainable city, as well as some suggested models and good practices. practices. The materials came from various resources: books, specialists’ websites, articles, and experts’ blogs. 11
The results from this document research stage are summarized in chapter 3. Some main ideas from the experts’ visions on urban sustainability were used to design the questionnaires for the surveys of public perceptions. Samples of these questionnaires are attached in the annex (appendix I, II and III). Results from these surveys are presented and discussed in chapter 4. The purposes of these questionnaires questionnaires are assessment assessment of public perceptions/awareness on some aspects of urban sustainability, as well as testing public’s responses on some sustainable urban development models. Then, the results from these surveys can be considered in making public awareness raising programs, as well as public opinions can be integrated in the framework for urban sustainability.
Table 2.1 Research questions & methodology
Main Research Questions
Document Research
Methodology Questionnaire Online Survey
Offline Survey
Interview
HCMC
HCMC’s
How do experts envision a sustainable city? What make a sustainable city?
How do people envision their desirable cities? What are their perceptions on urban sustainability?
Global
slum
Among many aspects of urban dev elopment, what matter most to them?
dwellers HCMC
What are public perceptions on current urban development in HCMC?
The surveys of public perceptions on urban sustainability were conducted online globally (in English), and both online and offline for citizens in Ho Chi Minh City (in Vietnamese). The free Google Docs’ Form was used in designing the online surveys. The global online survey in English was launched in May of 2011 at this link:
https://sites.google.com/site/sustainabilityvision/urban-survey
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Then, it has been promoted by posting on websites, social networks, blogs and mail mail groups such as Wiser Earth, Facebook, YES Alumni, ERM, Scribd… Also in late May of 2011, the other survey with target groups of Ho Chi Minh City citizens was launched both both online and offline offline (distributed in papers) papers) in Vietnamese. The translated English version of this survey for Ho Chi Minh City is available in the website as well as in the appendix:
https://sites.google.com/site/sustainabilityvision/urban-survey/survey-forhcmc/vietnamese-version (Vietnamese origin)
https://sites.google.com/site/sustainabilityvision/urban-survey/survey-for-hcmc (English, translated version)
In addition, the fieldwork study in some slum areas, especially those along the polluted canals in district 4 and district 8 of Ho Chi Minh City, with observations and interviews of slum dwellers, dwellers, had been been conducted conducted in May 2011. 2011. Since Since most of slum dwellers dwellers are powerless and poor, their voices are often left unheard while they are the most vulnerable to the disadvantages of urbanization. urbanization. The questions asked to people people in slum areas must be modified to be appropriate in their specific contexts and situations (appendix III). Mostly, the main purpose of this fieldwork is to get the real picture of the urban poor lives, and to listen to their wishes.
Figure 2.2 Locations of the fieldwork fieldwork study at slum areas in Ho Chi Minh City City
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3. Urban Sustainability Visions
“Vision is seeing the potential purpose hidden in the chaos of the moment, but which could bring to birth new possibilities for a person, a company or a nation. Vision is seeing what life could be like while dealing with life as it is. Vision deals with those deeper human intangibles that alone give ultimate purpose to life. In the end, vision must always deal with life’s qualities, not with its quantities.” (Van Duisen Wilhard)6
Principles for Sustainability Sustainability Sustainability literally means the capacity to endure over time. Symbolically, it refers to what is of true values, what is good, genuine and resilient, which can stand the test of time. Sustainability associates with balance and equity in a comprehensive approach, which acknowledges our dependence on the health of natural systems for our survival and well being, the limit carrying capacity of the Earth and the detrimental impact of unchecked human activities (Edwards 2005). Thus, sustainability strives for balance among the interconnected ecological, economic and social systems. As implied from the most popular definition of sustainable development
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(the Brundtland Brundtland report report 1987) 1987),, sustai sustainability nability
requires a long term, intergenerational perspective. Equity should be maintained, not only across communities within generation but also between generations.
The Earth Charter is a global consensus, a product of a decade-long, worldwide, crosscultural dialogue on common goals and shared values. As “a vision of hope and a call to action”, it provides us with inspiration and guidance to a sustainable future. In October 2003, UNESCO adopted a resolution recognizing the Earth Charter as an important ethical framework for sustainability sustainability (ECI Secretariat 2011). Main principles principles of the Earth Charter are summarized in the following box 3.1.
6
Quoted in “Beyond You and Me - Inspirations and Wisdom for Building Community”, Robin Alfred & Kosha Anja Joubert Joubert (Ed.), Gaia Gaia Education Education - Permanent Permanent Publications Publications 2007 7 “Our Common Future”, the report by World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED 1987): “Sustainable development is development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
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Box 3.1 The Earth Charter - values and principles for a sustainable sustainable future8
THE EARTH CHARTER’S PRINCIPLES Respect and Care Care for t he Com Com m un ity of Life: Life:
To respect Earth and life in all its diversity; To care for the community of life with understanding, compassion and love; To build democratic societies that are just, sustainable, participatory and peaceful; and To secure Earth's bounty and beauty for present and future generations. In order to fulfill these four broad commitments, it is necessary to: Ecological Integrity
Protect and restore the integrity of Earth's ecological systems, with special concern for biological diversity and the natural processes that sustain life. Prevent harm as the best method of environmental protection and, when knowledge is limited, apply a precautionary approach. Adopt patterns of production, consumption, consumption, and reproduction that that safeguard Earth's regenerative capacities, human rights, and community well-being. Advance the study of ecological sustainability and promote the open exchange and wide application of the knowledge acquired. Social and Econom ic JJust ust ice
Eradicate poverty as an ethical, social, and environmental imperative. Ensure that economic activities and institutions at all levels promote human development in an equitable and sustainable manner. Affirm gender equality and equity as prerequisites to sustainable development and ensure universal access to education, health care, and economic opportunity. Uphold the right of all, without discrimination, to a natural and social environment supportive of human dignity, bodily health, and spiritual well-being, with special attention to the rights of indigenous peoples and minorities. Democracy, Nonviolence, and Peace
Strengthen democratic institutions at all levels, and provide transparency and accountability in governance, inclusive participation in decision making, and access to justice. Integrate into formal education and life-long learning the knowledge, values, and skills needed for a sustainable way of life. Treat all living beings with respect and consideration. Promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence, and peace.
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Full version of the Earth Charter and more at www.earthcharterinaction.org
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The spirit of the Earth Charter is beautifully highlighted in the core principle of Respect and Care for the Community of Life: respect Earth and life in all its diversity, care for the community of life with understanding, compassion compassion and love. It helps us to recognize recognize what is deeply and fundamentally important to us – our connection with each other and with the natural world. That holistic worldview leads us to do no harm and cooperate with nature, with all other humans and other living beings in the web of life.
One Planet Living 9 is a global initiative developed by BioRegional10 and WWF11. While the Earth Earth Charter Charter is an ethical ethical framework, framework, the the One One Planet Livin Living’s g’s sustainab sustainable le city concepts are more of a practical vision that helps helps us to focus on on how we can take action for a sustainable future.
Box 3.2 The Ten Principles of One Planet Living (BioRegional and WWF)
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One Planet Living: http://www.oneplanetliving.org/index.html BioRegional – Solutions for Sustainability: http://www.b ioregional.com 11 World Wildlife Fund: http://www.wwf.org 10
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The Philips Center’s framework for Livable Cities - In the urban context, context, sustainabilit sustainability y
can be perceived as visions of livable and lovable cities (The Philips Center for Health & Wellbeing 2010). Experts from the Philips Center have identified three important interlinked ingredients of a livable city: resilience, inclusiveness and authenticity (fig. 3.1 and box 3.3).
Figure 3.1 The Philips Center’s Visualization Visualization Framework for Livable Cities (adapted from The Philips Center for Health & Well-being 2010)
SOCIETY (socio-cultural, economic & technical dimensions) ECOSYSTEM (environmental dimension)
In their conceptual framework for urban sustainability, think tank of the Philips Center pointed out that these three essential attributes of a livable city should present in all dimensions of sustainability (social, cultural, economic, technical and environmental). So, a livable city should be a resilient city, environmentally, socially and economically; this is particularly true in the growing context of climate change, as resilience is about 17
adaptability, flexibility, the ability of a city to balance continuity with change. A resilient city is a “strong” city which has inner strength to help it remain stable through shocks and stresses. A livable city is also an inclusive city, which cherishes social integration and cohesion. Moreover, a livable as well as l ovable city usually has its own unique identity.
Box 3.3 Three important interlinked ingredients of a livable city12
VISION OF A LIVABLE & LOVABLE CITY (The Philips Center 2010) Resilience
Preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems for local environmental quality Energy, food, water, materials at low global ecological footprint Green areas and water as environmental mitigation factors, parks as “lungs” of a city Cultural diversity, multiple lifestyle, continuity and change, tradition and innovation Adaptability, regeneration, transformation, interdependency, systems view Economic diversity, local entrepreneurship, job creation… Inclusiveness
Public green areas as outdoor gyms, recreational spaces, social bridges… Empowerment, justice and freedom Equitable access to resources, rights to public goods and services Social participation, economic inclusion Cultural diversity and integration, tolerance Sense of ownership, security and safety Authenticity
Local ecosystem for local identity, native species as uniqueness of a place Natural heritage as collective memory Connection between people and nature Historical heritage and identity Valuable local knowledge and culture Appropriate innovation and choices of change Cultural and technological rootedness Sense of place, belonging and pride Connection between people and people, people and land
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First edition of the Insight Series on Livable Cities (The Philips Center, 2010) http://www.philips-thecenter.org/livable-cities/recent-activity/2011/Insight-1-on-Livable-Cities
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Ecocity - Figure 3.2 feature s main characteristics of an ecocity model e nvisioned by
experts of Ecocity Builders 13, using integrated, whole systems approach fo r city design, building, and operations in re lation to the surrounding environment and nat ral resources of the region (Ecocity Builder s 2010).
City of
City wi h
City
City with
City of
accessibility for
public space
in balance
integrated
ioclimatic
everyone
for daily life
with nature
green areas
comfort
City of
City fo pedestrians,
City of reduction,
City contributing
minimized land
yclists,
reuse, recycle of
to cl sed water
consumption
public transport
waste
cycle
City of balanced mixed use
City of minimized
EC
CITY
energy
Ciity of short
consumption
distances
City as
Ci y built and
network of
City integrated into
City as power station
m naged with
urban quarters
the surrounding region
of renewable energies
the inhabitants
City integrated in global communication networks
City of health,
City with new balance of concentration and decentralization
City of concentrating development at suitable sites
City of
City of human
qualified
scales and
density
urbani y
safety and ell-being
City of cultural
City of
City for strong
identity and
sustainable
local economy
social diversity
lifestyle
Figu e 3.2 Principal features of an ecocity (adapted from Ecocity Builders)
The following parts of this chapter will discuss briefly more concepts an d models for urban sustainability, in terms of its interrelated dimensions, ecological balan ce, economic development, social cohesion , cultural vitality and good governance for sust ainable urban development. 13
Ecocity Buillders: http://www.ec citybuilders.org
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3.1 Ecological balance “Cities can become more sustainable by modeling urban processes on ecological principles of form and function, by which natural ecosystems operate. The characteristics
of
natural
ecosystems
include
diversity,
adaptiveness,
interconnectedness, resilience, regenerative capacity, and symbiosis.” (Newman and Jennings 2008)
Recycle organic wastes
Renewable Resources
Waste Renewable Energy
CITY
Pollution
Regenerative Water
Recycled materials, water
INPUT (Sources)
THROUGHPUT
OUTPUT (Sinks)
Reduced Consumption and
(Processes)
Reduced Pollution & Waste
Increased Efficiency
Figure 3.3 City as a regenerative system system with circular metabolism City as a regenerative and symbiosis system The core philosophy of sustainability lies in the appreciation of nature as the symbol of integrity, stability and beauty. Sustainability deals much with creative designs and planning in harmony harmony with nature. From the perspective of sustainability, sustainability, nature’s design and technologies are far superior to human science and technology (Sterry 2010).
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In nature, nothing is useless, nothing is waste but everything is resource for other process in the sophisticatedly sophisticatedly interconnected web of life, where circular metabolism is the principle of ongoing self-renewal system. Thus, a sustainable system is a regenerative system that mimics nature’s circular patterns, replacing the present linear flows (fig.1.1) with cyclical flows (fig.3.3). On a predominantly urban planet, cities will need to adopt circular metabolic systems to assure their own long-term viability as well as that of the rural environments on which they depend; outputs will need to become inputs into the local and regional production system (Girardet 2010). Most importantly, it is crucial to return organic waste into plant nutrients, for assuring farmland’s long-term fertility. By recycling wastes back into the system, it also minimizes pollution. Sustainably using renewable resources, instead of fossil fuels and chemicals is also more resource-conserving, healthy and less environmentally damaging. On the other hand, creating a circular urban metabolism can create resilient cities and create many new local businesses and jobs (Girardet 2010). About resilience, Melissa 14
Sterry is developing the model of Bionic City , which embraces nature’s approach to building complex infrastructures: “Whereas the conventional city is a mass mass of static, disconnected and inert structures operating independently and irrespective of one another and their environment, the Bionic City operates as an interconnected and intelligent ecosystem in which every entity is engaged in an ongoing symbiotic relationship with all others, from the molecular to the metropolitan in scale. Beyond preventing the problems traditionally associated with flooding, the Bionic City will also feature the means to utilise excessive quantities quantities of water, including hydropower and water harvesting technologies.” According to Melissa Sterry, the sensitivity the city has with its surroundings is key to its ability to predict and prepare for environmental changes. One essential characteristic of nature systems that helps maintaining stability in constantly changing conditions is diversity (Holmgren 2002). Multiple associations nurture each life form, thereby increasing the stability and resilience of the whole system. In natural system, everything is connected to everything else, each important function is supported by many elements, and each element performs many functions. Thus, this provides the
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“Bionic City”- article on Earth 2.0 magazine: http://earth2channel.com/magazine/articl e/22
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thinking of multiple pathways to achieve one goal as well as a common solution to disparate problems (Lyle 1994). For instance, rainwater infiltration with thoughtful design can replenish groundwater, create landscape, as well as reduce urban flooding…
Urban functions
Water supply
(housing,
& sanitation
industries, services
Traffic &
Waste
transport
SymbioCity
management
Architecture & master planning
Energy Landscape planning
Figure 3.4 Building blocks of SymbioCity – a holistic and integrated approach for sustainable sustainable urban development development (adapted from SymbioCity)
15
The idea of solving problems simultaneously is also the main theme of SymbioCity , an urban sustainability approach by Sweden. Symbiosis means the integration of two or more organisms in a mutually beneficial union. Looking at the city as a whole, we find benefits through synergies in urban functions such as combination of industrial waste heat with the municipal energy plant, combination of architecture and landscape planning… “It takes more than one petal to make a flower”. SymbioCity means urban resource efficiency – across and between different different urban technological technological systems, letting nothing go to waste; combining energy, waste management, water supply and sanitation, traffic and transport, landscape planning, architecture and urban functions for new and better solutions as well as a more efficient use of natural resource (SymbioCity 2009).
15
More on SymbioCity: http://www.symbiocity.org
22
There are many ways to make an urban function effective, but focusing on them individually may let us miss out the synergies between them, which can only be found with a holistic approach. Therefore, an integrated planning approach is key to unlocking hidden synergies in the city. Instead of managing urban sectors one by one, SymbioCity combine them, saving valuable city resources and creating new values (SymbioCity 2009).
Urban ecology and integrated land use As the spirit of sustainability lies in the heart of nature, protecting and restoring ecology within urban areas, bringing nature back into city is an essential theme in urban sustainability. Green spaces in cities offer us a lot of benefits. They provide shading, filtering the air, enriching urban biodiversity, reducing urban heat island effect, thus simultaneously making bioclimate comfort and lowering energy use for cooling. “Urban ecology uses uses climate- and region-appropriate region-appropriate plants, xeriscaping xeriscaping
16
to minimize the need
for fertilizer and water, and uses uses land for multiple functions such as food production, production, wildlife habitat, recreation and beautification” (Roseland 2005). Urban ecology also acknowledges the role role of water and urban urban aquatic systems systems – streams, ponds, rivers in revitalizing cities. Besides those ecological advantages, thoughtful urban designs in concert with nature and embracing culture of a place also have many aesthetic values, social and psychological healing benefits. Green public spaces can enhance community connection and interaction, providing places to contemplate, play, relax and meditate. Since land use permeates nearly all urban aspects, appropriate land use is a decisive factor for a sustainable city. In order to be sustainable, city should minimize land consumption, integrating green spaces and preserving farm land for food security as well as for other ecological functions. It is not always easy as land is a limited resource and the cost of real estates is often too high, while cities have to balance among conflicts of urbanization, development, population pressure with environmental and social goals. Therefore, symbiosis integrating planning or whole systems design
17
for multi-purpose use can help
afford this balance. Many examples illustrate this concept (Roseland 2005): green roof, solar photovoltaic panel on rooftop (no extra space needed); parks, urban gardening as
16
Xeriscaping refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental water from irrigation 17 Whole systems design concept for sustainability: http://www.wholesystemsdesign.com
23
both recreation areas and edible landscaping; constructed wetlands as sew age treatment facility, natural habitats, recreation areas, drainage for rainwater run off…
Urban agriculture Urban agriculture or urban fa ming can be understood as farming within and around cities. “Urban agriculture is a dyna ic concept that comprises of a variety of far ing systems, ranging from subsistence
roduction and processing at household le vel to fully
commercialized agriculture” ( Zeeuw et al. n.d.).
Social Food secure & inclusive city
Food security & nutrition Poverty alleviation Social inclusion Community building
Ecological
Urban Farming
Environmental healt hy city
Economic
Greening urban lan scape
Productive city
Urban biodiversity
Income generation
Improved microcli ate
Local economic develop ent
Reduced ecological f otprint
Emloyment generatio
Waste recycling Recreation & leisure
Figure Figure 3.5 Urban Urban ag iculture as a tool for sustainable urban develop ent (adapted from Zeeuw)
In response to serious pr blems of poverty, food insecurity, and e nvironmental degradation, there is a grow ing attention and promotion of urban farming all over the world, along with the mov ement of resilient, self-sustaining and low
arbon cities.
Increasingly, urban farming h as been seen as part of sustainable urban develo pment.
24
Urban farming can contribute to a food secure and inclusive city, a productive and environmentally healthy city (fig. 3.5). Therefore, it is necessary necessary to acknowledge the links between urban agriculture and various policy target areas, such as the alleviation of poverty, economic development, or environmental protection, in order to justify the inclusion and mainstreaming of urban agriculture into municipal policies and public support programs (Zeeuw et al. n.d.). The most striking feature of urban farming, which distinguishes it from rural agriculture, is 18
its integration into the urban economic and ecological system (RUAF) . Urban farms and gardens complement rural agriculture in local food systems and can also become an important income supplement for for households. Since food production is close to home home and market, it helps reduce energy for transportation and packaging costs. This is also helpful in situations when supply chains from rural areas have been interrupted and cities are unable to receive food imports (Worldwatch 2011). Another essential benefit of urban agriculture is that it can contribute to waste management and nutrient recycling by turning urban wastes into a productive resource, thus reducing the use of expensive chemical fertilizers and improving local soil fertility (Veenhuizen and Danso 2007). In his theory of Food Urbanism (2009), Jason Grimm showed that urban food system of production, processing, distribution, marketing, consumption and waste management can become infrastructure that transforms transforms urban experience by thoughtful thoughtful sensitive design and planning. According to Grimm, food production can be integrated into the daily activities of community residents through recreation and communal gatherings. Community gardens can also provide beautiful and pleasing spaces, helping improve the air quality in urban areas. And through cooperative cooperative market outlets, a larger larger series of food access points points can be developed, supplying healthy fresh and affordable food.
18
RUAF – Resource Centres on Urban Agriculture & Food Food Security: What is urban agriculture? http://www.ruaf.org/node/512
25
3.2 Economic development “To break dependence on oil, stop contributing to global warming, and build resilient cities that can thrive in the new urban age of energy and climate uncertainty, the bottom line for local governments is this: Reduce consumption, and produce locally.” (Lerch 2009)
Towards a low-carbon economy We are in the time of Peak Oil, and the time of cheap cheap oil will end soon (Kuhlman 2007). 19
Many experts have been warning about the end of our civilization as we know it is today , 20
the end of oil age with its catastrophic consequences . The world economy heavily depended on high-carbon fossil fuel is eventually coming into crisis as these fuels go exhausted. Moreover, the problem is not only the depletion of oil, but also many environmental, political and socio-economic issues related, especially the green house effect that leads to global climate cli mate change. Thus, we need a thoughtful vision, a shift to new models of development that are more sustainable, a green economy based on climate friendly low-carbon energy. The concept of “Zero carbon”, one of the One Planet Living’s ten principles (box 3.2) which aims at making building more energy efficient and delivering all energy with 21
renewable technologies, is being developed at the Masdar initiative . The European 22
Union
is making real efforts to reduce green gas emissions with their “Roadmap for
moving to a low-carbon economy economy in 2050.” More and more, there is a growing trend trend of transition to low-carbon city or post carbon city – “city on a path of resilience for a world of energy and climate uncertainty” uncertainty” (Lerch 2009). The Japanese Ministry of Environment has pointed out three principles for a low-carbon society: (1) Carbon minimization in all sectors, (2) Shifting from mass consumption society toward simpler lifestyles that realize richer quality of life, (3) Coexistence with Nature - maintaining and restoring natural natural environment environment that essential for low-carbon
19
Life after the oil crash: http://www.famguardian.org/Subjects/Politics/Articles/LifeAfterOilCrash.htm The Olduvai theory and catastrophic consequences: http://www.energybulletin.net/node/45518 21 Zero carbon city – Masdar initiative: http://www.masdar.ae/en/home/index.as px 22 EU, March 2011: “Roadmap for moving to a low-carbon economy in 2050” http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/roadmap/index_en.htm 20
26
society (Ministry of Environment Environment - Japan 2007). Thus, Thus, building a low-carbon city requires the efforts and active involvement of whole social system.
Low-carbon Transport System
More walking
More public
Less private
Less noise &
Use of
& cycling
transport
vehicles
air pollution
ITS*
More social
Social
Less
Safer
Better
interaction
equity
congestion
roads
health
More lively urban
Better neighborhood
Higher
More efficient in terms
neighborhoods
accessibility
security
of energy/cost/ti energy/cost/time me
Figure 3.6 Benefits of a low-carbon transport transport system 23
(based on the CATCH factsheet series) *ITS: Intelligent Transport System, applied ITC in smart logistics
Though Peak Oil can conceive quite catastrophic potential, it also opens some hopeful possibilities, a chance to address many underlying social problems, and the opportunity to return to simpler, healthier and more community oriented lifestyle (Kuhlman 2007). The example of Cuba can serve as a positive and instructive model for a world facing Peak 24
Oil . Cuba is the only country country that has faced such a crisis crisis – the massive reduction of of fossil fuels, after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990. Cuba's transition to a low-energy society has taken place by creating cycling culture, sharing public transportation and turning from a mechanized, industrial agricultural system to one using organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens. Lesson from Cuba’s survival gives us hope in the power of
23
CATCH (Carbon Aware Travel Choice) is an EU project with the ultimate aim to reduce CO2 emissions of the urban transport sector by encouraging carbon-friendly travel choices. http://www.carbonaware. eu 24 See more: The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil (Documentary), Arthur Morgan Institute for Community Solutions (2006): http://www.communitysolution.org
27
community, and the effectiveness of their strategies, which can be summarize in three words: curtailment, conservation and cooperation
25
.
The guidance for low-carbon city development focuses on three key sectors of transportation & urban structure, energy and and greenery (Kamata 2011). As discussed discussed in the previous part, conservation of green spaces, farmland and urban greenery is essential as carbon sinks for the city. Besides, shifting from urban sprawl and diffusive urban structure to compact urban development is encouraged. Compact city in harmony with nature is an urban model that consists of station-centered communities with a mix of houses, stores, offices, and convenient facilities accessible mainly by public transportation, on foot, or by bicycle (City of Nagoya Nagoya 2009). Many benefits benefits of a low-carbon transport transport system are illustrated in figure 3.6. Public transportation is key for low-carbon city; together with policies to support local consumption of goods produced locally (Ecologist 2008). Many policies available to alleviate energy insecurity can also help to mitigate local pollution and climate change, as a “triple-win” outcome (IEA 2007). For examples, development in public transportation does not only conserve energy, but also relieve congestion, improve air quality, provide access for all (APTA 2008).
Energy conservation and renewable energy In dealing with the energy issue, the first and foremost available strategy is energy conservation, through reducing energy waste and increasing energy efficiency. We should recognize the fact that in the mean mean time alternative energies can not replace fossil fuels at at the scale, rate and manner at which the world currently consumes them. Moreover, the deepest roots of our current energy crisis lie on the patterns of wasteful production and consumption (Capra 1988). Therefore, what truly matters is profound change in our values, attitudes and lifestyle. Energy conservation is our short-term key energy source and will always be a good solution in the long run too. Energy conservation brings many benefits. It is low cost and available at all levels. Using less energy resource also means reducing pollution and environmental degradation, while 25
See more: Peak Moment TV program (2006) Learning from Cuba response to Peak Oil, interviewing Megan Quinn. http://www.youtube http://www.youtube.com/wa .com/watch?v=f7i tch?v=f7i6roVB5MI 6roVB5MI
28
prolong fossil fuel supplies and buying time to phase in renewable energy. Saving energy can start just right at each individual’s lifestyle. For examples: buy and use energyefficient devices, look for electronics that are rechargeable, walk or cycle for short trips, consider car-pooling or take public transport for longer ones, eat lower on the food chains, 26
buy regionally and seasonally produced organic food whenever possible … The list goes on, and every bit can help. Many measures can also be done on the technical sphere, where there is a lot of space for creative innovations. In housing, remarkable energy-saving can be achieved by improved heat insulation or green building design which takes advantages of natural elements like sun, wind, plants, trees, green-roofs… instead of using air conditioning. Many intelligent lighting systems with energy-saving energy-saving sensors have become become widely used for hotels, official buildings. In transportation, energy-saving techniques can be attained through increasing fuel efficiency. In industry, the idea of co-generation, producing both heat and electricity from one energy source can be well applied. Eventually, we will use up non-renewable energy resources. From a long-term point of view, renewable ones are what we should rely on. The Sun shines for all of us, and the wind blows, free of charge. Although the equipments to collect solar and wind energy, such as solar panels and wind turbines cost money, when considering that the resource is taking for free, the overall cost of using solar and wind energy can make them smart choices. Renewable technology cost trends typically show a steep decline during last decades (NREL 2002), and that trends will continue to reach reasonable levels in the future as their market’s expansion. Moreover, renewable energy are often clean, such as wind and sunshine, they do not emit smoke or create pollution. Others, such as biomass, almost always cause less pollution than fossil or nuclear alternatives. Renewable energies would bring a number of benefits to the economy. First, they help increase the diversity of energy supplies, and thus lower the dependency on imported fossil fuels and improve the security of energy supplies. Second, they help make use of local resources to provide a cost-effective energy supply while reducing regional and global greenhouse gas emissions. Since they are often flexible, small-scale designs, which 26
See more in the article on The Ecologist Magazine: 30 steps to an oil free world http://www.theecologist.org/how_to_make_a_difference/climate_change_and_energy/360427/30_steps _to_an_oilfree_world.html
29
take the advantages of local conditions, they can be located close to the demand. Then, transmission and distribution costs are reduced, as well as losses. Finally, from the social point of view, renewable energies can create more domestic employment. Such benefits have created a strong motivation for pursuing renewable energies. The investment costs of renewable technologies have been reduced remarkably today and this makes renewable energies more attractive, quickly developed and and expanded (Nguyen 2005). 2005). Future will belong to the age of Renewable Sources. It is also the scenario described in the Energy [R]evolution report, by the European Renewable Energy Council and Greenpeace (2007). The vision would be made by optimized integration of renewable energy, developing smart consumption, generation and distribution systems and maximizing the efficiency of building through better insulation. Solar façade would be a decorative element on office and apartment buildings. Rooftop wind and solar would be placed so that energy is generated close to the consumer. Clean electricity would also come from offshore wind parks parks or solar solar power station in deserts. Electricity would be much more prominent and become the principal source of energy for transportation, replacing gasoline and diesel fuels. Hydrogen can become a way of back-up to store solar, wind energy to use at night or during during cloudy cloudy days (EREC (EREC & Green Peace 2007). 2007). Shifting to low-carbon economy means shifting to more diversified systems which maximize the use of locally available, environmental friendly resources. “It is encouraging to know that we now have the technologies to build a new energy economy, one that is not climate-disruptive, that does not pollute air and that can last as long as the sun itself” (Brown 2008).
ICT for low-carbon urban development From mobile phone, computer, software to internet, information and communications technology (ICT) has become integrated in our everyday life and remarkably influenced our society in many levels. Recently, ICT’s enormous potential in contributing towards a low-carbon society has been recognized and getting more and more attention. Using high technology, optical fiber, ultra-high speed, ultra-low power consumption network, nearly the most energy-efficient infrastructure, ICT can lead to smarter ways of doing and significantly reduce carbon footprint in cities (Yamakawa 2008). Efficiency of production and consumption can be improved. Movement of people and things can be reduced 30
through online shopping, e-service, online media, teleworking, virtual meeting. ICT can also support smart and integrated city planning, environmental management, urban monitoring.
E-Government E-learning
E-Commerce
E-Health
Paperless office
Teleworking
SMART & CONNECTED CITY
E-Services
Online Media Smart Grids Smart Logistics
Smart Buildings
Figure 3.7 ICT applications for a low-carbon city ICT can play crucial role in helping to improve energy efficiency in power transmission and distribution (smart grids), in smart buildings and factories, and in the use of transportation to deliver goods (smart logistics). They can also help in dematerialization
27
and shifting to a circular economy, where resources are efficiently used (WWF & Ericsson 2009).
27
Dematerialisation can be applied to a range of current everyday practices and ultimately reduce the number of material objects that need to be produced. For example, online billing, online media replace paper and CDs, thus reduce the emissions associated with their manufacture and distribution (GeSI 2008).
31
3.3 Social connectedness and cultural vitality “When you are connected connected to yourself, yourself, you live with integrity integrity – you act on your values and you are committed to truth and honesty. When you are connected to others, you commit to living in community, to caring for the common good, and to working for equality, justice and democracy. You commit to living joyfully with family, friends and the wider community. When you are connected to the planet, you try to live more sustainably, not using up or destroying nature.” (Andrews 2006) “If the definition of a sustainable society involves meeting human needs, it is worth asking what human needs are, and whether or not the system we are designing meets real human needs in a synergistic and positively reinforcing way” (Holocene 2004). According to 28
Manfred Max-Neef , most of our needs are related to the social (protection, affection, understanding, participation) and cultural (recreation, creation, identity) aspects of life. Once the basic basic need need for subsis subsistence tence has been met, met, the fundament fundamental al human human needs are are understood as an interrelated and interactive system, not as a hierarchy as postulated by 29
Maslow
(Hallsmith 2003). It was also reflected in the core principle principle of the Earth Charter
“Respect and Care for the community of life: to care for the community of life with understanding, compassion and love; to build democratic societies that are just, sustainable, participatory and peaceful”. Social and cultural sustainability has been considered as soft infrastructure which is vital for a healthy community. The social and cultural intertwined dimensions of urban sustainability embrace vision of a humane society, where compassion, mutual respect and care are nurtured, where sharing
30
31
and cooperation become a celebrated social priority .
“Where social capital is strong, communities exhibit high rates of volunteerism and citizen involvement as well as greater inclusion of all sectors of society in the social and cultural fabric. Also, a community community that is rich in social capital provides a wealth of intelligence,
28
Manfred Max-Neef: a German-Chilean economist and environmentalist, mainly known for his human development model 29 Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology, proposed by Abraham Maslow 30 10 ways our wolrd is becoming more shareable (Gorenflo & Smith 2010) http://www.yesmagazine.org/happiness/10-ways-our-world-is-becoming-more-shareable 31 Earth 2.0 – Sharing as one of the four chief operating principles of the Earth 2.0 upgrade http://earth2channel.com/blog/post/28
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sensitivity, and wisdom that will underpin and support appropriate ecological, economic, and social sustainability sustainability strategies” (Kingston 2010). 2010).
PUBLI PUBLIC C SPACE Communication Participation Interaction Empowerment
Equity Inclusiveness Social networks Shared knowledge Diversity & Tolerance Compassion & Love Understandings Care & Supporting Mutual trust Sharing Connectedness Peace & Security Social cohesion Democracy Solidarity Sense of Community Sense of Belonging Social Capital
Cultural Capital
Traditions Ethics Arts & Creativity Recreation History & heritage Custom & lifestyle Spiritual values Sense of Place
Adequate &
Life-long education
affordable housing
Common houses
Health & child care
Festivals
Volunteerism
Community celebration
Community gardens
Figure 3.8 Social and cultural intertwined intertwined dimensions of urban urban sustainability Social sustainability According to the WACOSS’s model, socially sustainable communities are equitable, diverse, connected, democratic and provide a good quality of life (Hodgson 2008). So, a sustainable city is a just and inclusive city, where benefits of development would be distributed fairly across society. It is a city for all, regardless of their status, gender, race, ethnicity or religion. “An inclusive city provides the opportunities and support that enables all residents to develop fully and allow them access to decent housing, transport, education, recreation, communication, employment and the judiciary, as well as cultural and religious expression. In an inclusive city, residents take part in decision-making that 33
ranges from the political to issues issues of daily life. Such participation participation injects a sense of belonging, identity, place into residents, and guarantees them a stake in the bene fits
of
urban development” (UN-HABITAT 2010). In an inclusive city, diversity is respected; people are tolerant of differences, and are openminded. This creates condition for true communication can develop. Communication leads to trust, trust to sharing, sharing to co-operation and thus community solidarity is strengthened. As human beings, we all need meaningful relationships with others, the sense of community, the sense of connectedness, knowing that another person cares, supports and looks out for us. This corresponds with Maslow’s need for love/belonging and Max-Neef’s need for affection and participation. People with a strong sense of community are more likely to report being in good health and less likely to feel isolated than those that have a weak sense of community (Jochmann 2010). 2010). Research has shown that communities where there are high levels of volunteerism and many opportunities for people to have contact with others outside of work or school have more consensus and are more resilient (Hallsmith 2003). Thus, public spaces in city are very important for communication, interaction and exchange t o build sense of community. Jan Gehl
32
once said, “a sustainable city would be a very people-friendly city. It would be
a city with good public spaces and a city that is rather compact. It would be a city that really invites people to walk and bicycle as much as possible.” Research also confirmed that individuals in more walkable neighborhoods tended to have higher levels of trust and community involvement, and also reported being in good health and happy more often than those in the less walkable neighborhoods (Williams 2011).
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Jan Gelh Interview (2008): Making healthy cities http://sustainablecities.dk/en/actions/interviews/jan-gehl-making-healthy-cities
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Cultural sustainability UNESCO (1995) defined the cultural dimension of community development
33
as being
“the whole complex of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features that characterize a society or social group. It includes not only the arts and letters, but also modes of life, the fundamental rights of the human being, value systems, traditions and beliefs.” The basic role of art, culture, and heritage has long been to bring beauty, depth and meaning into our daily lives, they also nurture individual and community identity, promote social cohesion, cohesion, and contribute to the creation of social capital (Kingston 2010). 2010). More and more, culture has been recognized as an essential dimension with the potential to transform communities and individuals in positive and meaningful ways over the long term. Jon Hawkes (2001) wrote “The Fourth Pillar of Sustainability: Culture’s Culture’s Essential Role in Public Planning", recognizing that a community’s vitality and quality of life is closely related to the vitality and quality of its cultural engagement, expression, dialogue, and 34
celebration . Current main themes of cultural sustainability are summarized in box 3.4. Hawkes’ model demonstrates that the contribution of culture to building lively cities and communities plays a major role in supporting social and economic health (Duxbury and Gillette 2007). According to him, the key to cultural sustainability is fostering partnerships, exchange, and respect between different streams of government, business, and arts organizations.
33
Sustainable Sustainable Future - Culture Culture and Knowledge Knowledge Workshop http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/topics/significant_projects/planning_studies/sustainable_future/workshop_ two/issues_brief 34 Models of sustainability incorporating culture: http://www.creativecity.ca/se-newsletters/special-edition-4/models-sustainability.html
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Box 3.4 Key themes of cultural sustainability sustainability35
10 KEY THEMES OF CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY (Creative City Network, Canada 2007) 1. The culture of sustainability Changing people’s behavior and consumption patterns, and adapting to a more sustainability-conscious lifestyle. 2. Globalization & cultural identity Protecting local culture from globalization and market forces. 3. Heritage conservation Recognize the history of a place and its tangible and intangible attributes. Revitalizing and re-using heritage buildings for cultural facilities. 4. Sense of place Building sense of place through intimate connection with our natural environment and history. The importance of heritage and symbols, and the role of the arts in raising community awareness and interest in sustainability are recognized. 5. Indigenous knowledge & traditional practices Recovery and protection of cultural health, history, and the culture of indigenous knowledge in society. Storytelling is a tool to keep memories alive and celebrate history. 6. Community cultural development Using arts and culture as community-building tools to promote sense of place, empowerment, and public participation. Creative collaboration fosters social development and change. 7. Arts, education & youth The arts are seen as both development and communicative tools in communities and schools, as they increase the effectiveness of teaching, research, policy, and actions toward cultural sustainability and development. 8. Sustainable design Sustainable design is seen as a component of cultural sustainability. Supporting cultural identity can ensure the past is part of the present and will benefit the future. 9. Planning A cultural lens is needed in city planning and design. This requires community culture-based planning strategies that address civic identity, youth, multiculturalism, and other aspects of communities. 10. Cultural policy & local government The multidisciplinary nature of sustainable development requires that policies for sustainability transcend boundaries and integrate cultural aspects.
35
Creative City Network, Canada 2007: Ten key themes of cultural sustainability http://www.creativecity.ca/se-newsletters/special-edition-4/ten-key-themes-of-cultural-sustainability.html
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Spiritual values “We need a spiritual compass to find our direction in life. A spiritual compass can help us to navigate our path through confusion and crises, through the suffocating allure of materialism, and through through delusion and despair” (Kumar 2007). Spiritual values are essential as an inner guiding light which helps us to develop our worldview, to seek wisdom of truth and wholeness, to find meaning of our existence and to connect with a greater transcendent reality. “Justice and compassion spring from the hearts of people who recognize our profound interdependence and interrelatedness with one another and the Earth” (Lamborn 2010). Spiritual connection is the basis for love, compassion and community. Our desire to deeply connect can be the most powerful force for good (Jones et al. 2007). People with compassion have deep concern for social equality and justice; they want to see that all people and other existences are treated with dignity and love; they become more tolerant, more embracing, always ready to reach out to help, to support, and glorify others (Lin 2006). The virtues of justice, humility, service and compassion can motivate us to address our social and environmental challenges and to build a world of peace and harmony (Jones et al. 2007). Therefore, creating a culture of sustainability which cherishes those values of tolerance, love, care, respect… is essential in empowering and transforming community towards a sustainable future.
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3.4 Good governance “Good governance must be built from the ground up. It cannot be imposed, either by national authorities, or by international agencies. Good governance is the fruit of true dedication, selfless leadership, and a politics of integrity.” (Annan 1997) Good governance plays a decisive role in urban management, planning and operating towards sustainability. While government is an entity (an official governing organization), governance refers to the process of decision making and the process by which decisions are implemented (UNESCAP). These governing processes involve not only the state (government), but also the private sector and the whole civil society.
State
Civil Society
(Government)
(NGOs, Community groups)
GOVERNANCE
Private Sector (Businesses)
Figure 3.9 Three interrelated actors actors of governance governance All three interconnected actors are critical for urban sustainability. Government creates a conducive political and legal environment; the private sector generates jobs and income; and civil civil society society facilitate facilitatess politic political al and and social social intera interaction ction - mobilizing mobilizing groups groups to participate in economic, social and political activities (UNDP 1997). Since each part has weaknesses and strengths, it is important for good governance to promote constructive interaction, partnership, cooperation and coherence among all three. Box 3.5 describes an ideal image of of good governance, governance, adapted from UNESCAP and and UNDP. Main attributes of good good governance are long term vision, openness - transparency, responsibi responsibility lity - accountabi accountability, lity, equity equity - inclusiven inclusiveness, ess, democr democratic atic partici participatio pation n - citizen citizen involvement, effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness to the needs of the people. 38
Box 3.5 Characteristics Characteristics of good governance governance (UNESCAP 36 & UNDP37)
KEY ATTRIBUTES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE (UNESCAP & UNDP) Participation All men and women should have a voice in decision-making, either directly or through legitimate intermediate institutions that represent their interests. Such broad participation is built on freedom of association and speech, as well as capacities to participate constructively. Rule of law Legal frameworks should should be fair and enforced enforced impartially. Transparency Transparency is built on the free flow of information. Processes, institutions and information are directly accessible to those concerned with them, and enough information is provided to understand and monitor them. Responsiveness Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe. Consensus oriented Good governance requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach a broad consensus in society on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how this can be achieved. Equity and inclusiveness A society’s society’ s well being depends depends on ensuring that all its members feel that that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This requires all groups, but particularly the most vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their well being. Effectiveness and efficiency Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources. Accountability Decision-makers in government, the private sector and civil society organisations are accountable to the public, as well as to institutional stakeholders. Strategic vision Leaders and the public have a broad and long-term perspective on good governance and sustainable development. There is also an understanding of the historical, cultural and social complexities in which that perspective is grounded.
36
UNESCAP, Good governance: http://www.unescap.org/pdd/prs/ProjectActivities/Ongoing/gg/governance.asp 37 Governance for sustainable human development (UNDP 1997): http://mirror.undp.or g/magnet/policy
39
These features assure that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities and the needs of future generations are taken into account, and the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. Good Good governance governance also contributes contributes to peace and security because it gives societies sound structures for inclusive, equitable economic and social
development.
“In
post-conflict
settings,
good
governance
can
promote
reconciliation and offer a path for consolidating peace” (Annan 1997). Good governance demands the consent and the participation of the governed and the full and lasting involvement of all citizens (Annan 1997). Key strategies for cultivating good governance include developing more decentralized state, active civic organizations, and responsible private sectors (Wheeler et al. 2005). Decentralization is an important strategy to attain citizen involvement and government responsiveness. Since power and decisions are closer to local people, decentralized government is more knowledgeable and accessible. It can respond faster, more effectively to people’s needs, with more accountability and transparency. Resource use would be more equitable and the gap between the rich and the poor would be narrowed (Wheeler et al. 2005). As Kofi Annan once said (1997), good governance has to begin with the will of the people. The will of the people must be the basis of governmental authority. That is the foundation of democracy. Democratization is definitely vital in building good governance, but it requires mature civic awareness, ongoing education, the development of government structures, institutions, and time. “Once established, democracies need to be tended carefully in order to stay healthy and provide good governance for the people” (Wheeler et al. 2005). Nowadays, the development of ICTs promises a huge potential of facilitating governance processes. Core components of e-governance include e-participation, e-administration and 38
e-service delivery . E-governance can enhance government and public institution efficiency, transparency and accountability by providing better public service and information delivery to citizens and others. Moreover, e-governance fosters greater interaction between authorities and citizens, thus encouraging more public participation 38
Governance assessment portal: http://www.gaportal.org/areas-of-governance/e-governance
40
and involvement. Various online tools can be used, such as RSS feeds, tag clouds, interactive map, webcasts for information; blogs, online polls for consultation; e-petitions, wikis, forum and virtual worlds for participation (WEF 2011). Social networks also support e-governance with more equity, decentralization and democratization. On the other hand, e-governance can make a significant positive impact on reducing carbon dioxide emissions through the dematerialization of public service delivery. Many paper-based services can be digitalized and situations where face-to-face interaction has been previously required (to prove identity) can be done virtually (GeSI 2008).
41
4. Urban Sustainability & Public Perceptions
“If you want to build sustainable cities you have to take into consideration the thoughts and values of the city´s inhabitants.” (Paul Sinclair)39 While chapter 3 trying to search for suggestions on principles and models of urban sustainability from expert views, chapter 4 explores how these ideas are perceived from public perspectives, how people envision their desirable cities, and among many aspects of urban development, development, what matter most to them. Moreover, opinions of HCMC residents on current urban development of the city were also collected. Concepts of urban sustainability sustainability researched in chapter 3 were utilized to develop the questionnaires in chapter 4. The interrelated dimensions of urban sustainability described in chapter 3, which are ecological balance, economic development, social cohesion, cultural vitality and good governance, governance, were integrated in the public public surveys as features features of a desirable city. Ecological Ecological balance balance is associated associated with with a green city. city. Low-carbo Low-carbon n economic economic develop development ment is manifested through through characteristics of of a regenerative, smart smart and connected city with renewable energy, waste recycling, bicycle friendly and walkable neighborhoods... Social cohesion and cultural vitality correspond to attributes of a human-friendly and interesting city, a city with sense of place. And in general, good good governance is responsible for all of these good practices, particularly for a just and inclusive city. In fact, these features are not clearly categorized categorized into any dimensions dimensions but they are interconnected, interactive and complementary to each other.
39
Professor of African and Comparative Archaeology at Uppsala University, mentioned in Mistra article on the Urban Mind research, “The evolution evolution of cities — a mental process”. process”.
42
4.1 Results from global online survey The global online survey was launched on 10
th
of May, 2011 at the link below and since
then it has been promoted through social networks, blogs and mail groups such as Wiser Earth, Facebook, YES Alumni, ERM, Scribd…
https://sites.google.com/site/sustainabilityvision/urban-survey
Sample of the questionnaire from this global online survey is attached in the appendix I. th
The last respondent was recorded on 13 June, 2011.
Profile of respondents Total: 175 respondents
80% 58%
60%
Male 35%
40% Female 65%
29%
20% 7%
2%
3%
2%
51-60
>60
0% < 18
1 8- 3 0
3 1- 4 0
41-50
Figure 4.1 Profile of respondents respondents by gender and age
There are 175 175 responses in total from all over the world (table 4.1), 4.1), in which 61 respondents (35%) are male and 114 respondents (65%) are female. Most of the respondents are from Asia and Europe (fig. 4.2).
43
Table 4.1 Respondents’ distribution by country Asia Bangladesh
1 6 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 44
India Indonesia Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Saudi Arabia Singapore Thailand Vietnam Africa Zimbabwe
1
Australia Australia
6
50%
39.43%
Europe Albania
Austria Belgium Czech Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Ireland Italy Ko K osovo Netherlands Romania Russia
3 3 2 1 1 1 4 1 34 1 1 2 3 2 2
Spain Sw S weden Switzerland Ukraine
1 1 2 1
North America Canada
USA Latin America Brazil
Costa Rica Ecuador Mexico
37.71%
40% 30% 20%
14.29%
10%
3.43%
0.57%
3.43%
0% Asia
Europ e
Africa
North America
Latin America
Australia
Figure .2 Distribution of respondents respondents by region
44
5 20
2 1 1 2
Environment - Conservation
29.71%
Other
17.71%
Education - Academic
13.71%
Engineering - Industry
11.43%
Non-profit, NGOs
7.43%
ICTs
6.29%
Government
4.57%
Medical Medical - Health Health care
2.86%
Agriculture - Forestry
2.29%
Banking Banking - Finance Finance
1.71%
Services - Entertainment
1.14%
Media
1.14% 0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
3 5%
Figure 4.3 rofile of respondents respondents by professional sector
The respondents come from iverse professional sectors as displayed in fig. 4.3, in which the highest share is environm nt/conservation (nearly 30%). Respondents’ Respondents’ perception on a dream city
City size size - Populatio Population n
> 10 millions
1.71%
5 - 10 million millionss
2.86%
1 - 5 million millionss
17.71%
500,000500,000- 1 million million
16.00%
100,000-500,000
19.43%
10,000-100,000
24.57%
< 10,000
17.71% 0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Figure 4.4 Respondents’ choice on the population of their dream ci y
45
30%
Results of respondents’ perc ption on the size of their dream city in terms of population are shown in fig. 4.4. The res onses are various, with the highest share (24.5 7%) for cities with population of 10,000 – 100,000 inhabitants. It is interesting to note th t nearly onefifth of the respondents (17% ) even chose the smallest size available (cities
ith less than
10,000 inhabitants). Only f ew respondents chose cities with more tha
5 millions
inhabitants to megacities and mostly people who chose these options also co e from cities with large population (Mexic , Madrid, Almedabad, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh ). A city with with sense sense of place Figure 4.5 shows respondent ’ perception on sense of place with nearly all eatures listed received ticks from more th an 50% respondents, among that, local natu re and urban designs designs get the highest highest rates rates f around 70%. It is sense of belonging that ma e people feel emotional attached to a place and the identity that make one city different fr m the others. Many factors contribute to s nse of a place, such as its people (sense of co mmunity), its culture, tradition, customs an history, its nature, its architectures…
Local biodiversity and natural l ndscape
71.43%
Urba designs
69.71%
Culture and historic pre servation
63.43%
Sense of community
62.29%
Local food and tradition
51.43% 0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Figure 4.5 Respondents’ perception on sense of place
Respondents perceive various ly on sense of place. Some likes a quiet and an cient city (M, 40
18-30, HCMC) , some likes a “simple and less complicated” one (F, 18- 30, Amman), some likes a more internatio al one (F, 31-40, Helsinki), and another prefe rs a city with good sense of humor and f n (F, >60, Eugene). One respondent (F, 18- 0, Brisbane)
40
Note: content in the blankets gives briefly reference to the respondent quoted (gender, r nge of age, city/ country)
46
associates sense of place with “high levels of creativity and encouragement of exploration and development of creative and spiritual life”, others with “well integrated living, entertainment and business districts” districts” (F, 18-30, New York) or “strong sense sense of safety and trust, no fear of violence” (F, 18-30, Berkeley). A human friendly city Openness and friendliness are very important factors of a desirable city. A respondent from Berlin (F, 18-30) perceives this attribute as “a social spirit to remove negative thoughts/feelings and actions”, and another respondent from Brisbane (F, 31-40) associates it with “assumption of genuine respect for all”.
I love cities where people give you hospitality, synergies... Cities, where people shows shows love and optimism optimism on their faces... I also also love to have big or very big green spaces in city. It’s so kind to see people of different ages and different social classes, all together. tog ether. Because it doesn't doesn't matter matt er if you are a poor or a rich one, life is a miracle and everyone have the full right to enjoy it..... (F, 18-30, Tirana, Albania)
Even a nearly perfect city in terms of environmental quality and economics may be undesirable if it is not human friendly.
I do live in Trento which could be even even considered considered a perfect city c ity BUT people people are not really friendly and open. Besides that, although the CITY is very nice, it's inside a country and a context. The country has several several problems problems which end end up to influence it as well. In an even even more more idealistic considerat consideration, ion, although Trento could be a perfect city I suppose it's also from the human human nature to miss what what you don't have... especially considering relationships with friends and family (who lives in a very imperfect city, in the other side of the world...) (F, 31-40, Trento, Italy)
This attribute is strongly confirmed from the results illustrated in fig. 4.6, with all listed features of a human friendly city received ticks from more than 70% respondents. In which “embracing cultural diversity, welcoming to people of diverse cultures and backgrounds” has the highest record of nearly 90%.
47
Embracing cultural diversity
86.86%
Having great publi spaces
72.00
Open-minded and helpful people
71.43%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Figure 4.6 Respondents’ perception on a human friendly city
This attribute does not only manifest through the characteristics of the
eople (open-
minded and helpful) but also from well well and thoughtfu thoughtfull urban designs designs of ublic spaces, which encourage social inter action and cultural exchange. Respondents su ggested for a human friendly city include d “technology and housing design that forc es people to interact, affordable housing that prevent preventss the rich living in one area area an
the poor in
another another - mixed income income hou housing” (F, 18-30, 18-30, New York), York), “affordabl “affordablee livi g and living wages available to all, free (government funded) access to basic service s” (F, 31-40, Berkeley). A human friendly is also a city of tolerance, with “dedication to helping those in economic need or otherwi se suffering, creative ways of handling confli t” (F, 31-40, Philadelphia). A green city It seems that a green city nee s no explanation. “Green”, nature and environ
ental quality
is one core pillar pillar of sustainabi sustainability. It is also desirable by most of us.
I had a chance to live ne year in Cottbus in Brandenburg and I loved it, or many reasons. People ravelling by bike, amazing surrounding of the cit , many cultural events rganized rganized by by University University and/or the city itself. The development is to be s en in there...many green areas, many quiet areas. The The impact of the universi y is very visible. I would love to live in such a city. (F, 18-30, 18-30, Pragu Prague, e, Czech)
48
Many parks in the city, lots of trees on the streets
87.43%
Urban gardens, lant pots on balconies, gr en roofs
86.29%
Fresh air an clean water
7 .57%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
1 0 0%
Figure 4. Respondents’ Respondents’ perception on a green city
Figure 4.7 shows high agree ent on that. The models of urban garden, gr een roofs are also highly welcomed (86%) . Respondents added some more models such as “abundant local food crops grown com only in public spaces” (F, 31-40, Berkeley), “ uildings that are covered covered in greener greenery y – green façade, vertical gardens and fly-over garde s” (F, 18-30, New York). A regenerative city It is quite encouraging to see that nearly all sustainable listed features for
regenerative
city received high rates of ticks (more than 70%), in which the two most equally concerned are waste recyclin and renewable energies (82%).
Separating and recycli g/composting wastes
82.29%
Rene able energies
82.29%
Green buildings using local, renewable materials
75.43%
Energy conservation and energy efficiency
74.86%
Rainw ter harvesting
72.00%
0%
20%
40%
60%
Figure 4.8 R spondents’ perception on a regenerative city
49
80
100%
Waste treatme treat ment nt is one of the mos mostt important issue i ssuess nowadays and it should be applied in every city. As an incentive to separate the waste, Germany got it with the system of "pfand": a small charge when you buy bottles of glass or plastic and you get the money back when you give back the bottles. It can alienate poverty a little, it encourages the waste separation and millions of bottles are reused (for plastic bottles, it's a rare thing!!). (F, 18-30, Cottbus, Cottbus, German Germany) y)
One respondent from New York (M, 31-40) recommended his favorite Hammarby 41
Model , a district project in Stockholm, Sweden which attempts at a balanced, “closedloop urban metabolism”, considering the unified infrastructure infrastructure of energy, water and waste. A smart and connected city Figure 4.9 shows results of public perceptions on a smart and connected city with models of using ICTs such as E-governance, to improve public services and interactions between citizens and government, making government more accountable, transparent and effective; and applications of ICTs in urban ma nagement such as transportation.
Active citizen participation in decision making
72.57%
E-governance
67.43%
Use of ICT, GPS in traffic management, management, lighting systems…
54.86%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Figure 4.9 Respondents’ perception on a smart and connected city
It turned out that the most concerned was given to the feature of “active citizen participation in decision making” (72%), followed by e-governance (67%). Though the 41
A Hammarby Project, Stockholm, Sweden: In addition to the Hammarby Model infrastructure, the presence of urban-scaled density, access to multiple modes of transit with an emphasis on reduced car commuting, preservation and restoration of existing natural systems, and progressive construction and housing policies make Hammarby Sjostad an effective demonstration that ecological and urban go together by means of comprehensive planning. http://www.aeg7.com/assets/publications/hammarby%20sjostad.pdf
50
applications of ICTs in urban management promise high potential, this idea
as interested
to only more than half of the espondents. A bicycle friendly city with w alkable neighborhoods neighborhoods Again, like in the case of a re generative city, nearly all main features of a bi ycle friendly city with walkable neighborh oods are highly welcomed (more than 70%),
ith the most
agreed was attributed to a div erse and efficient public transportation (87%).
Diverse and efficient pu lic transit
87.43%
Services, transport stations i walkable distances
75.43%
Bicycles for short distances
72.57%
Pedestrianised downtown
69.71%
Car sharing or car rental models
51.43%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Figure 4.10 Resp ndents’ perception on sustainable urban mobilit
Less cars and more green spaces! Social, cultural, leisure infrastructure for everybody, not only in the city center!
(M, 31-40 31-40 Bremen, Germany)
This model also received many comments from respondents, mostly ex ressing their supporting. Some respondent expected their dream city with no cars (M, 18 -30, Vienna), or with bicycles even for lon distances (M, 41-50, Stockholm), or suggeste road designs that enable people to walk/us bicycles (F, 31-40, Tampere). I would love to visi live in community everyone. Jobs are take a bike ride is
Curitiba in Brazil. They learned the hard way ho to nd take care of their city because it belongs to lose people's homes so the distance that they wal or inimum.
(F, 18-30 18-30,, Guay Guayaquil, Ecuador) 51
An interesting city A desirable city would be an interesting city with diverse activities of services, entertainment and recreation, a city where community arts, music, dance an celebrations are fostered, a city encourag es innovations and creativity. The results fro
figure 4.11
shows that high percentages o f respondents share these ideas.
Community arts, music, dance and celebrations are fostered
76.00%
Lively urban life
74.29%
A city of innovations and creatiivity
65.14%
0%
Figure 4.11
20%
40%
60%
80%
espondents’ espondents’ perception on an interesting city
A cit y that enables enables (young) (young) people people to start their small small nd medium sized enterprise enterprises s or projects projects - small small shops, shops, loc l pro pro ucts, local art productio productions... ns... (M, 18-30, Bern, Switzerland)
Respondents suggested city t o have its own libraries and museums (M, 18 -30, HCMC), arts and creativity education nd training (M, 31-40, New York), putting univ ersities in the centre to encourage young pe ple into the city (F, 18-30, New York). A just and inclusive city
Well I guess better ci ies is where people are treated the same and have equal opportunities. It is the city where justice is not in the hand of a particular pers person, on, it is where a law goes over everyone no matter who h e is or from where he co es from. (F, 18-30, A man, Jordan)
52
A desirable city would be n ot only human friendly but also humane; an nclusive city which embraces all its people , regardless of their race, gender, age, or social nd economic status. Figure 4.12 shows a hi gh agreement of respondents on features of an i nclusive city, with the highest interested wa s attributed to education and job opportunities or all, special assistance for people with dis ability (88%), followed by good quality, affor able housing available for the poor (75%) and good health care and public services ac essible to all (74%).
Education and job oppor tunities for all. Assistance for people ith disability.
88.00%
Good quality, affordable housing available for the poor.
74..86%
Good health care and pub lic services are accessible to ll
73.71%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Figure 4.12 Res ondents’ perception on a just and inclusive city
Respondents’ suggestions
or an inclusive city included encouraging citizens in
collaboration, in taking part s of planning the local education, health-car e and politic activities (F, 18-30, Chiang
ai), public transport suitable for people with disability (F,
31-40, Tampere), high salari es for socially concentrated jobs (F, 18-30, B erlin) and an efficient social work system (
, 18-30, HCMC).
More respondents’ ideas on t heir desirable city
No cars/only public transport (generated by renewable energies), cra le to grave grave - manage ent concerning products, general environmental awareness among c tizens, urban gardening all along city (everyone responsible for own food) (F, 18-30, Berlin, Germany) Mini ize home sizes. Reduce consumerism. Take a step ack and h ve jobs that pertain to local growth, development and and prosp rity. (F, 31-40, 31-40, Sacramento, USA
53
I'm a public librarian. I think places like public libraries are vital to healthy cities. We grant people of diverse ages, social and economic backgrounds the opportunity a shared space for cultural enrichment, educational advancement and the evolution of community. (F, 18-30, Philadelphia, USA)
Decentralization: Local government is fully and independently responsible for governing and managing local city with meaningful participation of its own people. (F, 18-30, Chiang Mai, Thailand)
I am living in Hanoi. I want our city to be greener by fewer motorbikes & cars, instead, more bicycles should be used. Moreover , there should be more trees on the streets, more public parks and our city should keep the lakes as they are specialty of Hanoi. Better governance via less corruption & better management systems are required f or traffic, health care, etc. (F, 18-30, Hanoi, Vietnam)
54
Respondents’ Respondents’ perception on the significance of urban aspects
What aspect of a city that makes people love to live there? What matters most to them? Figure 4.13 presents the average results of respondents rating the significance of some main urban aspects on the scale of 1-5 (1: least important, 5: most important). The results show that all aspects listed are important to people, according to respondents’ perception (all average points > 3.3). What matters most to people does vary. However, on average, good public services, health care, education, nature & green, good governance and sense of community weight the higher points.
Good public services, health care, education
4.349
Nature and green
4.145
Good governance
3.846
Sense of community
3.844
Economic opportunities
3.753
Lively urban life
3.740
Urban design
3.444
History and culture
3.379 0
1
2
3
4
5
Figure 4.13 Respondents’ perception on the significance of various urban aspects
[Scale of 1 (least important) important) - 5 (most important)] important)]
Besides those factors rated, some respondents also gave more comments on the features of a city that they like and what matters most to them.
(F, 31-40, Mexico City)
Safety and good governance, equity, and job opportunities are of great importance to me.
55
For me, the people in the community are taking charge of their own spiritual and material development and are contributing to the process of decision making, change etc. (F, 18-30, Melaka, Malaysia)
Unfortunately nothing else matters when deciding in which city I live than a job :/ But naturally natura lly if I would not need to think of a job, the other matters would become more important. (F, 31-40, Ciudad Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica)
A city where I want to live the most is close to my family, relatives and friends. It should close to the beach, or mountain, mountain, or fountain, forest, f orest, the field, farm... (F, 18-30, Bien Hoa, Vietnam)
I've lived in several cities. Munich was the best life, but the weather was crappy and the culture could have been better. Plus, it lacked inclusiveness and community. But for transport, health, economy, design, greenness, parks, and resource care it was far better than Buenos Aires, NYC, San Jose, Costa Rica, and Washington DC. NYC is the best by far for culture, design, and neighborhoodiness, economy is generally great too, green stuff is so-so. Buenos Aires was not so good apart from design, economy (when I was there), and culture is great. San Jose is not so good but at least has the basics covered with health and water quality, but people are friendly and the lifestyle is laid back. Economy is so so. A combination of parts of all those cities could be included in my ideal city.
(M, 31-40, New York, USA)
56
4.2 Results from surveys in HCMC 4.2.1 Results from online and offline questionnaires The questionnaire in Vietnamese exclusively prepared for residents of HCMC was launched both online (link below) and offline (distributed in papers for people writing th
their opinions and then collected) on 28 of May 2011.
https://sites.google.com/site/sustainabilityvision/urban https://sites.google.com /site/sustainabilityvision/urban-survey/survey-fo -survey/survey-forrhcmc/vietnamese-version th
The last online respondent was recorded on 16 of June, 2011. Sample of the questionnaire from this survey for HCMC is attached in the appendix II.
Profile of respondents 42
Total: 78 responses, in which 26 online and 52 offline respondents , (39 male and 39 female). Respondents’ ages range from 19 to 66 years old (fig. 4.14), in which most of them are in the age range of 18-40.
50% 40%
35.90% 32.05%
30% Male 50%
Female 50%
16.67%
20% 8.97%
10%
6.41%
0% 18-30
3 1- 4 0
41-50
51-60
>60
Figure 4.14 Profile of respondents by gender and age
42
The number of offline respondents was higher than 52. However, because some responses were not appropriate (lack of respondents’ information or only few questions were answered), these have to be left aside.
57
Services 4%
Architect 9%
Other 14%
Business 9%
Office 14%
Education 21%
Engineering 29%
Figure 4.15 Profile of respondents by professional sector Respondents’ professions are varied as illustrated in figure 4.15.
Respondents’ perception on a desirable city City size size - Populatio Population n
> 1 million
29.49%
500,000 500,000 - 1 million million
61.54%
< 500,000
8.97%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Figure 4.16 Respondents’ choice on the population of their desirable city Results of respondents’ perception on the population of their desirable city are shown in fig. 4.16 4.16 with the most most favorite favorite attributed attributed to 500,000 500,000 – 1 million inhabit inhabitants ants (61.54% (61.54%). ). Only 9% of respondents prefer small city with less than 500,000 inhabitants.
58
Table 4.2 presents people’s responses on 19 features of a desirable city with 5 options: like very much, like, don’t care, don’t know and don’t l ike.
Table 4.2 People’s responses on characteristics of a desirable city Like very much
Characteristics of a desirable city
Like
Don’t care
1. Many gardens, parks, trees on the streets
86%
14%
2. Urban designs are harmonious with natural landscape and surroundings.
65%
35%
56%
33%
9%
63%
32%
5%
5. Sense of place, sense of belonging (landscape, people, gastronomy, culture…)
55%
40%
4%
6. Strong community sense, supporting and loving community
71%
28%
1%
7. Friendly and open-minded people. Diversity and differences are respected.
58%
35%
8%
8. Many public spaces for community activities, cultural and social exchanges…
49%
47%
4%
9. Interesting urban life, many entertainment and recreational areas, theatres, restaurants… r estaurants…
42%
49%
6%
10. Slumless. City has good quality social housing program. Everybody has a decent place to live.
51%
41%
6%
3. Urban heritages are well preserved.
4. Original, having identity.
59
Don’t know (?)
Don’t like
1%
1%
Like very much
Characteristics of a desirable city
Like
Don’t care
11. Social justice: Every citizen is respected and treated equally. Inclusive city which cares for the marginal groups and has policies to assist the poor, people with disability, especially in terms of accessibility to education, health care and job opportunities…
12. A humane economy: social responsible enterprises which have safe working conditions for labors, reasonable working time, holidays and decent wages
13. A green economy: green business with environmental consciousness, energy and resource saving, using renewable energies, local and natural materials.
14. E-governance: more transparent, effective and responsive, increasing interaction between citizens and decision-makers. Public and administrative services are made quickly by internet.
15. Wastes are classified, then go for composting or recycling
16. Urban designs encourage rainwater infiltration to replenish groundwater and mitigate urban flood. Rainwater harvesting can also be done at household scales.
17. Diverse, developed and convenient public transportation system.
18. Pedestrianized downtown. Encouraging bicycling culture (healthy, environmental friendly, energy saving, less traffic).
19. Urbanization is controlled. Good urban planning, preserving farm land, green spaces for microclimate regulation.
60
Don’t know (?)
65%
33%
54%
37%
6%
1%
51%
38%
6%
4%
47%
40%
9%
3%
59%
36%
1%
1%
64%
22%
6%
8%
69%
29%
1%
58%
29%
12%
1%
49%
42%
5%
4%
Don’t like
1%
1%
Results from table 4.2 show that, most of the ideas for a sustainable city are desirable, especially these features of greening in the city, urban design that are harmonious with natural landscape and the surrounding (100%), social justice (98%), sense of community (99%), waste recycling (95%) and convenient public transport (98%). However, there are still respondents with no interest (don’t care), though in small percentages, particularly in issues of urban heritage preservation (9%), openness, friendliness, tolerance of differences and embracing cultural diversity (8%), e-governance (9%), bicycling culture and walkable downtown (12%). The features that some people still have no ideas (don’t know) are rainwater infiltration (8%), green economy (4%), control of urbanization (4%) and e-governance (3%). More comments from respondents Most of respondents dream of a city that is green, clean, beautiful, safe, slumless, no more traffic jam and flooding, convenient public transit, a city with high level of public awareness, diverse play grounds for children, democratization in community…
Respondents’ perception on Saigon - Ho Chi Minh Minh city What people like best about Saigon - What people like best about Saigon do vary. For some respondents, it is just because Saigon is their hometown where their family and friends are living, their birthplace with memories from childhood. For some other respondents, it is Saigon’s people, those open-minded and friendly Saigoneses that that they like the best. Some respondents expressed their nostalgia of an old Saigon, with graceful colonial buildings, old big trees along old green streets, while others prefer a modern, dynamic Saigon. In general, people love Saigon because of its interesting and diverse urban life and services, its promising opportunities for jobs, education, and recreation. What people do not like most about Saigon - What people do not like most about Saigon is quite united, with high consensus of opinions on problems of traffic jam, pollution and flooding. Most of respondents respondents shared the same disappointment disappointment on the city’s too much
61
crowded and overloaded infrastructure, bad transport system. Noise, wastes, lack of green, bad planning and low public awareness were also mentioned. Respondents’ perception on HCMC’s urban performance With the scale of 1 (bad) to 10 (excellent), people were asked to give their assessment on HCMC’s performance in various urban aspects. The results of this evaluation are illustrated in figure 4.17 below.
Job opportunities, economic development
8.23
Openness and friendliness
6.53
Education
6.45
Health care
6.44
Sense of community, supporting and caring
5.95
Architecture, designs, landscape
5.90
Identity
5.56
Urban heritage conservation
5.30
Green and public spaces
5.21
Social justice
5.07
Infrastructure
4.97
Urban management
4.53
Transportation
4.16
Environmental quality
3.99 0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 10
Figure 4.17 Evaluation HCMC’s performance on various urban aspects [Scale [Scale of 1 (bad) - 10 (excellent)] (excellent)]
Figure 4.17 shows that, in general, HCMC got quite low scores on its functioning, particularly
in
environmental
quality,
transportation,
urban
management
and
infrastructure. Job opportunities and economic development is the only aspect which was perceived as good.
62
4.2.2 Results Results from interviews interviews in slum areas The fieldwork study at some slum areas in Ho Chi Minh City, interviews of slum dwellers, had been conducted from 11
th
to 22
nd
of May 2011. The questions are flexible to be
appropriate in their specific contexts and situations (semi-structure), the main outline of question sample is attached in appendix III.
Profile of interviewees Total: 57 interviewees (43 female and 14 male). Profile of respondents by gender, age and occupation is illustrated in figure 4.18 and figure 4.19. Their ages range from 16 to 81 years old. Some photos from the interviews are shown in figure 4.20.
30%
26.32% 22.81%
20% Male
15.79%
24.56%
21.05%
14.04%
10% Female 75.44%
0% 16-30
31-40
4 1- 5 0
5 1- 6 0
Figure 4.18 Profile of respondents by gender and age
63
>60
Other (jobless, retired…)
33.33%
Housewives
31.58%
Small business (informal sector, street vendors, tailors…)
19.30%
Hired labors, workers
15.79%
0%
10%
20%
Figure 4.19 Profile of respondents by occupation
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30%
40%
Figure 4.20 Photos from interviews in the slum areas (HCMC, May 2011)
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Slum-dwellers and the urba n aspects that that matter most to them
When asked what their drea
in life is, many interviewees referred to a de ent house, or
even a small shelter on their o wn land, a more stable life, earning enough mo ey to sustain their living.
Economic opportunities
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Safety, security
49
Sens of community
31
Public services, health car and education
22
No flooding
16
Urban governance, transparent, accountable
12
Urban life, entertainment, recreation
3
Nature a d green spaces
2
Urban design
1
History and culture
0 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Figure 4.21 Interviewees’ priorities on top 3 of urban aspects matter most to them [Sum of points on pr iority, top 1st = 3 points, 2nd = 2 points, 3rd = 1 point]
Interviewees were asked to g ive their priorities on top 3 of the aspects of
living place
that matter most to them. Th e factors factors listed are are as the same as as the list in figure 4.13 for global online survey with 2 m ore additions (safety, security and no flooding) suggested by the slum-dwellers themselve . Their responses were converted into points (top 1st = 3 points, 2nd = 2 points, 3rd = 1 point) and then sum of all the points for ea h aspect was calculated and presents in fig re 4.21. Results from figure 4.21 show that int erviewees put the highest weight on econo ic opportunities (jobs), followed by safety and security, and sense of community. Observ ation from fieldstudy in these slum areas also showed that nearly most of the interviewe es have to struggle in life with very low condi ion of living. When basic subsistence needs have not been met yet, sustainability is only a ery far away dream, which sometimes see s to not exist in their perception.
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5. Conclusion Conclusion & Recom Recommend mendation ation
“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision fails due to lack of direction. Vision with action can change the world.” (Shahmardaan)
5.1 Concluding remarks From the principles of Earth Charter or One Planet Living to models created by think tank of Philips Center or Ecocity Builders, sustainability has been envisioned in an integrated framework of interrelated dimensions. Cities and human systems are considered as parts of larger natural ecosystems and socio-economic communities, in which all things are linked to each other in the web of life. Thus, urban sustainability can only be achieved with a systems approach which recognizes this profound interconnectedness. Urban sustainability visions are not fixed images but rather flexible and evolutionary perspectives. The core philosophy of sustainability lies in the appreciation of nature as the symbol of integrity, stability and beauty. Thus, a sustainable city would be a green city, in which nature is well protected and integrated harmoniously in urban design and planning. Moreover, there is no concept of waste in nature, energy and materials flow and regenerate through ongoing cycles. Thus, a sustainable city would be a regenerative city, which applies nature’s wisdom in its waste recycling and using local, renewable material and energy. Respecting nature, living more simply within the Earth’s limits and reducing our impact on the Earth’s resources, this implies the moderation in population reproduction, economic production and consumption. These are crucial steps towards a low-carbon economy, particularly in the context of Peak Oi l, climate change and resource depletion. Written beautifully in the Earth Charter, the key principle of sustainability is “care for the community of life, with understanding, compassion and love”. Sustainability cherishes sense of community, social capital, solidarity and a culture of peace with mutual respect, sharing and caring. Cooperation rather than competition with nat ure and with each other is advocated. Above all, happiness, which is the real meaning of life, does not lie on materials terms alone but rather on our spiritual and social relationship in community.
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A sustainable city would be a human friendly city. This human friendliness does not come only from its open-minded, helpful and friendly people but also this attribute can be manifested and fostered by thoughtful urban design and planning, which encourage social interaction and cultural exchange through public spaces, walkable neighborhoods… Any imbalance or injustice implies unstability and high potential risk of collapse, thus it can not sustain in the long run. Beside ecological balance, a sustainable city would be a city of social and economic justice because equity is another primary principle of sustainability. A sustainable city would not only be human friendly but also humane; an inclusive city which embraces all its people, regardless of their race, gender, age, social or economic status. On the other hand, culture of sustainability appreciates tolerance of differences, and diversity is seen as source of richness rather than conflicts. Ideals of democracy, accountability, transparency and inclusive decision making are essential attributes of good governance, which in turn plays a vital role as guiding forces for cities on the journey toward sustainability. Since actors of governance comprise not only the government but also the private sector and civil society, active citizen participation is vital to the success of urban sustainability. Nowaday, with the development of web 2.0, e-governance and other ICT applications in urban management and operation promise huge potential in improving public services as well as enhancing citizen participation and interaction in decision making.
5.2 Recommendations Recommendations for HCMC A sustainable city is also also a desirable and loveable city. This is confirmed through the global online survey and the questionnaire for HCMC’s residents in which sustainability models are welcomed by most of respondents. On the other hand, reflection on reality of HCMC’s urban performance performance presents quite a pessimistic picture. HCMC in perceptions of respondents is still far away from urban sustainability sustainability visions. Many problems of of traffic, pollution, flooding, overload infrastructure, noise, lack of green and public spaces, corruption and bad planning pose great challenges to sustainable development of this soon-to-be megacity. This implies that, although compact development is a good and efficient model, it would functions positively only when there is reasonable size of population within its carrying and management capacity, plus good governance and urban planning that harmonious with local nature. 68
In addition, observation from the field study at some slum areas in HCMC also shows that there are many people still live in very bad conditions and everyday still have to struggle to survive. Sustainability would be a very far away dream if the basic subsistence needs have not been met. met. Therefore, Therefore, the city should should assist assist the poor through through social housing, housing, health health care policies, job opportunities, especially in terms of accessibility to education and training. Because in the long run, public empowerment is crucial to win over over poverty and to go further on the way toward toward future urban urban sustainability. Better public public transpo transportatio rtation n system, system, well-organ well-organized, ized, diverse diverse and efficient efficient is needed needed for crowded HCMC. Public transportation transportation should be more comfortable as the quality of service should be be improved so that it can be more attractive and become become priority in people’s choice, beside affordability. Walkability Walkability and cyclability cyclability should should be be integrat integrated ed into public public transp transportati ortation on system system.. Pedestrians and cyclists should be encouraged through incentive policies and programmes. On the other hand, limitation of cars and motorbikes, motorbikes, particularly in central downtown can help saving energy, improving environment and community sense with safer traffic, better public public interacti interaction on and less polluti pollution. on. Urbanization should be approached with precaution. Systems thinking and long term perspectives should be applied in strategic urban planning. Scenarios of climate change, risk of salination, flooding flooding and their impacts should should be taken into account account to prepare for adaptation and mitigation. Some current current new urban urban projects expanding into into low lying land and highly sensitive areas such such as Thu Thiem, new harbour in Nha Be, tourist city city in Can Gio (the UNESCO biosphere reserve) reserve) should be re-examined very carefully. carefully. Farm lands and green spaces should be preserved for microclimate regulation, water retention, urban biodiversity as well as food security and other beneficial ecosystem ecosystem services. Greening the city activities should be encouraged such as planting street trees, building community gardens, parks, covering city with flowers, plants wherever possible (abandoned lots, lots, balconies, roofs…) to make city more beautiful and refreshing. Urban designs such as green pavement, waterparks can facilitate rainwater infiltration to replenish groundwater and mitigate urban flood. Cisterns can be used at household level to catch and channel rainwater for non-drinking purposes. 69
It is necessary for HCMC to start as soon as possible integrated waste management instead of current current landfilling landfilling method method otherwise otherwise later later HCMC will inevitably inevitably face face the waste crisis. crisis. It should should be noted that, that, reducing reducing waste, waste, separating separating waste waste at source source and recycling recycling can only only be promoted efficiently with enhanced public awareness. Cleaner, renewable renewable energies and their supporting infrastructure should should be taken into considerat consideration ion in the long long term developme development nt of the city. city. Some examples examples can be be the model model of solar street lighting, solar-panel solar-panel on roof of big buildings, cleaner fuels for public transportation…
Capacity building, public awareness raising and education for sustainability Good leadership with urban sustainability vision is required for future success of a city. Moreover, active citizen participation is also vital. Thus, capacity building for local managers, managers, officers officers,, as well as education education and public public awarenes awarenesss raising can can be powerful powerful tools for positive social change and for nurturing a culture of sustainability. A proposal concept for a course on on sustainability is attached as appendix IV in the annex. In general education for sustainability should be integrated creatively
43
at all all lev level el of
education education system system and even even should should start at family family educat education. ion. Holisti Holisticc percepti perception on is necessary for humanity to live sustainably by understanding our co-existence on this planet, how we are interconnected and mutually interdependent. This leads us to cooperate with all other humans and other living beings, and encourages a meaningful lifestyle in which we live more close to nature, more simply but healthily and richly. Therefore, education education should should place a high focus focus on living values, values, building building inner strengt strength h and interpersonal skills, fostering compassion, respect and understanding, celebrating diversity, multicultures, equality and social responsibility. A holistic education aims for future citizens who live with love and and care, who find joy in services services and who appreciate appreciate the Good, the True and the Beautiful in life.
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Beside conventional teaching, we can apply various creative ways of education such as teaching by being examples (green teachers); team work to teach cooperative spirit; experience-based learning, through school gardens, working in the field, helping other people in need, voluntary services in local community; visual learning with the help of movies, audio, documentaries, internet; project-based learning, problembased learning; excursions to natural sites, forests, national parks; learning through arts; teaching meditation for children to help them improving concentration, having inner peace and developing spirituality…
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APPENDIX I Sample of Global Online Survey Link: https://sites.google.com/site/sustainabilityvision/urban-survey What kind of city/community do you want to li ve in? How do you envision it? Please feel free to share with us your ideas. We're eager to hear from you! Many thanks in advance. :-)
About You Your age
Your gender
Where do you live? (Name of the city/community and the country, for example: Hanoi, Vietnam)
Your occupation or profession: Which sector do you work in? (or (or if you are a student: What is your major field of study?)
Characteristics of Your Desirable City Please relax and give us opinions about the city of your dream. :-) Size - Population Population
A City with Sense of Place. Sense of belonging, place attachment and identity (Please tick all options that apply)
Caring, familiar neighborhood with a strong sense of community
Strong sense of place by culture and historic preservation
Strong sense of place by local biodiversity and natural landscape
Beautiful urban designs that are harmonious with surroundings
Original local food and traditions
Other:
A Human Friendly City (Please tick all options that apply)
Great public spaces for lively human interaction, social and cult ural exchange.
Welcoming to people of diverse cultures and backgrounds
Open-minded and helpful people
Other:
A Green City (Please tick all options that apply)
Many parks in the city, lots of trees on th e streets
Urban gardens, plant pots on b alconies, green roofs, community gardens...
Fresh air and clean water
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Other:
A Regenerative City (Please tick all options that apply)
Renewable energies are used
Energy conservation and energy efficient appliances are used
Many green buildings using local, renewable materials
Wastes are separated at sources and then go for composting or recycling.
Rainwater is collected to avoid urban floodi ng and for groundwater renewal.
Other:
A Smart and Connected City (Please tick all options that apply)
E-governance (use of ICT to improve public services and interactions bet ween citizens and government, making government more accountable, transparent and effective).
Active citizens participation in decision - making
Use of ICT, GPS in traffic management, lighting systems...
Other:
A Bicycle-Friendly Bicycle-Friendly City - Walkable Neighborhoods Neighborhoods (Please tick all options that apply) Well-organized, diverse and efficient public transport system
Bicycles are used for short distances. There is encouraging cycling culture.
Services, transport stations are in walkable distances
City centre is pedestrianised
Car sharing or car rental models are available
Other:
An Interesting City (Please tick all options that apply) Lively urban life with diverse activities of services, entertainment and recreation
A city of innovations and creativity
Community arts, music, dance and celebrations are fostered
Other:
An Inclusive Inclusive City - Social Justice Justice (Please tick all options that apply)
Good quality, affordable housing available for the poor.
Education and job opportuni ties for all. Special concern and assistance for people with disability.
Good health care and public services are accessible to all.
Other:
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What aspect of a city that makes you love to live there? What matters most to you? Please rate the following aspects (1: least important, 5 : most important) 1
2
3
4
5
Economic opportunities Caring and friendly people, strong sense of community Beautiful urban designs Natural landscape, green spaces History and cultural tradition, celebration Good urban governance, transparent, accountable Good public services, health care and education Lively urban life
More comment (Optional): Any ideas to make better cities that you want to share with us? Or where in the world do you want to live, and why? Please feel free to leave your comment here.
Submit
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APPENDIX II Sample of Survey in HCMC BẢN THĂM DÒ Ý KIẾN VỀ ĐÔ THỊ THỊ VÀ PHÁT TRIỂN Chân thành cảm ơn bạn đ ã chịu khó dành chút thờ i gian cho bản thăm d ò ý kiế n này! Tên của bạn: __________________________________ Tuổi: ____
Nữ
Nam
Nghề nghiệ p: __________________________________
I.
Thành phố mơ ướ c. Bạn thích sống trong một thành phố:
1. a. nhỏ, < 500.000 dân
b. trung bình, 500.000 – 1 triệu dân
R ất thích
Đặc điểm của thành phố
2. Nhiều vườn hoa, công viên, cây xanh trên đườ ng ng ph ố
thị hài hòa với địa thế, cảnh quan thiên 3. Thiết k ế đô thị nhiên và không gian xung quanh 4. Những di sản đô thị cổ đượ c gìn gi ữ, bảo tồn tốt 5. Có bản sắc riêng, những nét cảnh quan, ki ến trúc, văn hóa đặc thù mà không th ể tìm thấy ở những ch ỗ khác 6. Thân quen, g ần gũi (cảnh vật, con ngườ i, i, ẩm thực, hóa…), nơi mà bạn có cảm giác thu ộc về nó
Thích
văn
7. Cộng đồng thương mế n, mọi ngườ i chia sẻ, tương trợ lẫn nhau
8. Ngườ i dân thân thi ện, cở i mở với ngườ i ngoài, v ớ i cái mớ i. i. Sự đa dạng và khác bi ệt đượ c tôn tr ọng
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c. lớ n, n, > 1 triệu dân
Không quan tâm
Không biết (?)
Không thích
R ất thích
Đặc điể m của thành phố
Thích
9. Nhiều không gian công c ộng cho nh ững sinh ho ạt chung, gắn k ết cộng đồng, trao đổi văn hóa…
10. Đờ i sống đô thị phong phú, nhi ều khu vui chơi, giả i trí, r ạp ạp hát, quán ăn... 11. Không có nh ững khu ổ chu ột. Thành phố có những chính sách nhà ở xã hội chất lượ ng ng tốt. Mọi ngườ i dân đều có ch ỗ an cư lạ lạc nghiệ p. 12. Công b ằng xã h ội: Mọi công dân đượ c tôn tr ọng, ọng, đối xử bình đẳng trướ c chính quy ền và pháp lu ật. Thành ph ố quan tâm và có nh ững chính sách h ỗ tr ợ ngườ ngườ i nghèo, là những cơ hội tiế p cận về giáo ngườ i khuyết tật, nhất là dục, y tế, việc làm… 13. Kinh t ế nhân b ản, các doanh nghi ệ p có trách nhi ệm xã hội, môi trườ ng ng làm việc an toàn cho người lao độ ng, lương, g, nghỉ nghỉ phép thời gian và điề u kiện làm vi ệc, chế độ lươn hợ p lý. 14. Kinh t ế xanh, các doanh nghi ệ p xanh v ớ i ý thức về môi trường, chú ý đế n tiết kiệm năng lượ ng, ng, tài nguyên, sử dụng năng lượ ng ng tái tạo, tận dụng vật liệu tự nhiên của địa phương. 15. Chính ph ủ điện tử: giúp cho việc điều hành đượ c hiệu quả, minh bạch, tăng mức độ tương tác giữa giữa ngườ i dân và chính quy ền. Các dịch vụ công và hành chính đượ c thực hiện nhanh chóng qua internet.
16. Rác đượ c phân loại, làm phân bón hay tái chế 17. Đô Đô thị đượ c thiết k ế khuyến khích thẩm thấu nướ c mưa xuống đất để bổ sung vào ngu ồn nướ c ngầm và mưa cũng có thể đượ c thu gom và giảm ngậ p lụt. Nước mưa gia đình. tận dụng ở quy mô gia 18. Hệ thống giao thông công c ộng phát tri ển, đa dạng, tiện lợ i. i. 19. Khu trung tâm là ph ố đi bộ. Việc đi xe đạp đượ c khuyến khích (v ừa giúp ngườ i dân kh ỏe vì vận động, vừa giảm ô nhiễm môi trườ ng ng từ khói xe, giảm tiêu thụ nhiên liệu, giảm k ẹt xe…).
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Không quan tâm
Không biết (?)
Không thích
20. Đô thị hóa đượ đượ c kiểm soát và quy ho ạch tốt, gìn giữ đất cho nông nghi ệ p, cho nh ững khoảng xanh, giúp điề u hòa vi khí h ậu.
21. Có những điề u gì khác về thành phố mơ ướ c của mình mà bạn muố n chia sẻ thêm? Hơi tư một chút, ước mơ lớ n nhấ t hiện t ại của bạn là gì? (Không bắ t buộc)
II.
Sài Gòn Gòn - Thành Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
22. Những điều gì của Sài Gòn khiến bạn yêu nhất?
23. Những điều gì của Sài Gòn khiến bạn không thích nhất?
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riêng riêng
24. Chấm điểm Tp. HCM - Với thang điểm 10, bạn hãy cho điểm Sài Gòn về những mặt sau (tất tươngg đối, ở đây không có có đúng hay sai nên nên bạn cứ đánh giá theo quan quan điểm của mình. cả đều là tươn Bạn có thể để tr ống ở những mục nào bạn còn phân vân):
Phương diện
Điểm
Cơ hội việc làm, phát triển kinh tế Kiến trúc, cảnh quan Việc bảo tồn các di sản đô thị Chất lượng môi trườ ng ng
Cơ sở hạ tầng Giao thông Giáo dục Y tế Mảng xanh và những không gian công cộng Công bằng xã hội Sự gắn k ết trong cộng đồng, tinh thần tương thân tương ái Sự cở i mở , thân thiện Bản sắc riêng Quản lý đô thị
ưở ng, đề đô thị thị của 25. Câu hỏi thêm (không bắ t buộc): Bạn có ý t ưở ng, giải pháp nào cho nhữ ng ng vấn đề Sài Gòn mà bạn muố n chia sẻ? Theo bạn chúng ta cần làm gì, cần có nhữ ng ng chính sách gì để thành phố ngày càng tr ở ở nên t ốt ốt đẹp hơn? Bạn l ạc quan hay bi quan khi nghĩ về tương tương lai củ của thành phố ?
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English Version of the Vietnamese Questionnaire Questionnaire SURVEY ON URBAN AND DEVELOPMENT Thank you for taking your time to answer this survey! Your name: __________________________________ Age: ____
Male
Female
Occupation: __________________________________
III.
A Desirable City. You like to live in a city:
2. a. small small,, < 500.000 500.000 inh. inh.
b. medium medium,, 500.00 500.000 0 – 1 mio. mio. inh.
Characteristics Characteristics of a desirable city
2. Many gardens, parks, trees on the streets 3. Urban designs are harmonious with natural landscape and surroundings 4. Urban heritages are well preserved 5. Original, having identity 6. Sense of place, sense of belonging (landscape, people, gastronomy, culture…) 7. Strong community sense, supporting and loving community 8. Friendly and open-minded people. Diversity and Differences are respected 9. Many public spaces for community activities, cultural and social exchanges… 10. Interesting urban life, many entertainment and recreational areas, theatres, restaurants… 11. Slumless. City has good quality social housing program. Everybody has a decent place to live.
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Like very much
Like
c. big, big, > 1 mio. mio.
Don’t care
Don’t know (?)
Don’t like
Characteristics Characteristics of a desirable city
Like very much
Like
Don’t care
Don’t know
Don’t like
(?)
12. Social justice: Every citizen is respected and treated equally. Inclusive city which cares for the marginal groups and has policies to assist the poor, people with disability, especially in terms of accessibility to education, health health care and job opportunities… 13. A humane economy: social responsible enterprises which have safe working conditions for labours, reasonable working time, holidays and decent wages 14. A green economy: green business with environmental consciousness, energy and resource saving, using renewable energies, local and natural materials. 15. E-governance: more transparent, effective and responsive, increasing interaction between citizens and decision-makers. Public and administrative services are made quickly by internet. 16. Wastes are classified, then go for composting or recycling 17. Urban designs encourage rainwater infiltration to replenish groundwater and mitigate urban flood. Rainwater harvesting can also be done at household scales. 18. Diverse, developed and convenient public transportation system. 19. Pedestrianized downtown. Encouraging bicycling culture (healthy, environmental friendly, energy saving, less traffic). 20. Urbanization is controlled. Good urban planning, preserving farm land, green spaces for microclimate regulation.
21. Is there anything else you want to share about your desirable city? What is your dream now? (Optional)
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IV.
Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City City
22. What do you like best about Saigon? 23. What don’t you like most about Saigon? 24. Evaluating HCMC - With the scale of 10, please assess Saigon in terms of these following aspects (there is no wrong or right answer, answer, just freely give the score according to your personal view):
Aspects
Score
Job opportunities, economic development Architecture, designs, landscape Urban heritage conservation Environmental quality Infrastructure Transportation Education Health care Green and public spaces Social justice Sense of community, supporting and caring Openness and Friendliness Identity Urban management
25. More comment (optional): Do you have any ideas, solutions for HCMC’s urban issues that you want to share? What do we need to do, which policy we should have to make our city better? Are you optimistic or pessimistic when thinking about the future of the city?
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APPENDIX III Semi-structure Interviews Interviews in Slum Areas of HCMC Place and date of visit Name of interviewee Age: How old are they? What is their occupation? Period of time living there: How long have they lived in the place? Housing Ownership: (If rented, how much do they have to pay per month?) How many people living in how many square meters? Sense of community: How do they experience sense of community here? Is sense of community important to them? Water: Do they use tap water (municipal water), groundwater (their own well)? Do they have to buy water from private sources? Electricity: Do they have municipal electricity? (Their awareness/experience on renewable energy, energy conservation, energy-efficient appliances) Wastes: How wastes are treated? Do they have municipal collecting or do they dump the wastes nearby? Green space (observation). Mobility modes (observation and asking questions) Urban flooding: Have they experienced urban flooding in the area? (Have they heard about Climate Change?) Internet: Do they connect to internet? If yes, how do t hey think about e-government? Recreation, entertainment: What do they do in their free time? (How is the public space in their area? Do their communities offer any activities?) Safety and security in the area? Do they have health care insurance? How do they care about their children education? Social justice: Have they received any support from local government? Have they experienced any injustice? Have their voice heard? Urban governance: How does local government in the area function? Are they transparent, accountable, responsive? Is there public participation in decision-making?
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Their Their top top 3 pri priori orities ties
(1st (1st = 3 point points, s, 2nd = 2 points, points, 3rd = 1 point) point) 1
2
3
Economic opportunities Sense of community Urban design Nature and green spaces History, culture and tradition Urban governance, transparent, accountable Public services, health care and education Urban life, entertainment, recreation Safety, security No flooding
What is their dream in life now? Suggestion for the city: Do they have anything they want the city to improve? What is their hope for the future of the city?
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APPENDIX IV Concept Notes for Sustainability Education The world is facing severe global crises, from environmental degradation, climate change, to social and economic issues. Moreover, in the context of globalization, these problems are more and more trans-national and interrelated, which pose big challenges on the path way to sustainability of every nation. Since future relies upon young people, a catalytic process for social change can be achieved through education and empowerment for youths, especially especially university students, who are tomorrow’s leaders and thinkers and whose decisions will have a growing influence on societies and lifestyles. The concept notes propose integrating of the Youth Encounter on Sustainability (YES) course into the university’s curricula. This YES course takes an interdisciplinary approach which help student gain better understanding of our today’s interconnected world issues. Moreover, the YES course aims to provide students with perspectives and principles so that they can begin to move our society towards towards the ideals of justice, equity equity and sustainability. 44
The YES course uses the approach adapted from the ACTIS as shown in the figure below, which integrates three educational aspects of knowledge, skills and values to empower young students to address global challenges and reality. The knowledge and skills are applied to develop holistic, interdisciplinary and appropriate solutions to sustainability challenges. These include skills for creative, critical and systems thinking, communication, collaboration and cooperation, conflict ma nagement, problem-solving and planning, using information and communication technologies, and practical citizenship. Moreover, the model emphasizes on strengthening students values based on ethical framework to help them in decision-making and choosing sustainable ways of living. The course uses mainly student-centered teaching and active learning approach, with twoway interaction to encourage students to study and find the way to solve problems. It offers students diverse activities such as lectures, small group project, student presentations, case studies analysis, role play, exhibition, film watching, group discussions and plenary discussion. Since YES is a transdisciplinary course which provides necessary perspectives perspectives for every one, this educational approach can be integrated in any university’s curricula. Moreover, while keeping the main themes and spirit, the forms of education for sustainability can be creatively designed to adapt to specific demands and and contexts. For example, beside formal education, “the course” can be in the forms of thematic seminars, forums, extra-curriculum activities, talk shows, conversation with experts…etc. This flexible approach can enhance its attractiveness and potential for replication.
44
ACTIS: http://www.actis-education.com
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Core skills
Future visioning Critical thinking Participation Collaboration Systems thinking Knowledge
Interdisciplinary understanding of society and the environment
Transferring knowledge and awareness into actions Considering of different perspectives
Values
An ethical framework which reorients societies & individuals towards sustainable lifestyles
Addressing Global Challenges and Realities
Educational model applied in YES course (adapted from ACTIS Education)
Main resources:
ACTIS Education: http://www.actis-education.com Earth Charter International International & Youth Action for Change: Online Online short course on “Youth Leadership, Sustainability and Ethics”. http://ecyg.wikispaces.com/YAC Earth Charter International, BeatBoard and Heart in Action Enterprises: Earth Charter Global Learning Opportunity (eGLO 3): http://www.earthcharterinaction.org Education for Life: http://www.edforlife.org Facing the Future – People and the Planet: http://www.facingthefuture.org It’s All Connected – A comprehensive guide to global issues and sustainable sustainable solutions UNESCO – Teaching and Learning Learning for a Sustainable Future: http://www.unesco.org/education/tlsf/index.htm YAC (Youth Action for Change) Sustainable Development Online Course: http://sustainable.a.wiki-site.com/index.php YES Magazine – Resources for Teacher: Teacher: http://www.yesmagazine.org/for-teachers
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The YES course contains 10 modules: COURSE’S MODULES
Unit 1
Unit 3
Unit 5
Unit 7
Unit 9
Introduction to Global Issues & Sustainability
Environment & Climate Change
Energy
Social & Cultural Dimensions of Sustainability
Sustainable Cities & Urban Development
Unit 2
Unit 4
Unit 6
Unit 8
Unit 10
The Earth Charter Charter - Values and Principles for a Sustainable Future
Food & Water
Designs for Sustainability
Economic & Politic Dimensions of Sustainability
Youth Actions for a Sustainable Future
Unit 1: Introduction to Global Issues and Sustainability “Teaching students about the world is not a subject in itself, separate from other content areas, but should be an integral part of all subjects taught. We need to open global gateways and inspire students to explore beyond their national borders.” - Vivien Stewart, Becoming Citizens of the World, Educational Leadership This unit introduces major global issues that need to be addressed in building a sustainable future and serves as a foundation foundation for the more in-depth in-depth studies in following units. It highlights the interrelationship among these issues and the interconnectedness of local and global systems. Students should gain an understanding of the complexity of the world we live in and the challenges for keeping it in balance, not only ecologically but socially and economically as well. The course also explores the emerging concept of sustainable sustainable development and offers some effective thinking tools that frame an approach to sustainable solutions. Students are encouraged to envision a possible future as well as to brainstorm for creative and innovative approaches. Topics to discuss: Global issues issues
• • • • • • • •
Population growth and the Earth’s carrying capacity Climate change Hunger and poverty Urbanization Pollution Loss of biodiversity Depletion of natural resources Energy Energy crisis crisis – Peak Oil 89
• • •
Unsustainable consumption Conflicts and war Globalization Sustainability
• • • •
Dimensions of sustainable development in a dynamic balance Goals for for Sustainable Sustainable Human Developm Development ent – The MDGs MDGs Systems thinking, critical thinking and seeing from multiple perspectives Vision for a sustainable future
Unit 2: The Earth Earth Charter – Values and Principles for a Sustainable Future Future “Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace, and the joyful celebration of life!” - The Earth Charter This unit aims to help students acquire a good understanding of the sustainability vision as expressed through the values and principles of the Earth Charter. The course offers a space for students to reflect and discuss the key principles of the Earth Charter; understand its importance and how it can be used as a tool in today’s world. Students are encouraged to reflect on, examine and challenge their own personal views. The notion of care is emphasized. The idea of sustainable societies is discussed in detail: what constitutes a sustainable society and what are its necessary components, links need to be made between social and economic justice as well as environmental integrity. Topics to discuss:
• • • • • •
Care for the community of life with understanding compassion and love Treat all living beings with respect and consideration Interconnectedness, interdependence interdependence and systems view of life Secure Earth’s bounty and beauty for present and future generations Build democratic societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful Promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence, and peace
Unit 3: Environment & Climate Change “Without healthy natural systems around us, without the ecological basis, all other dimensions dimensions - social, social, economic economic or technol technologica ogicall - are meanin meaningless gless.. When When the basic basic conditions for human life on earth no longer exist, we no longer need to consider the other Roger Baud Baud dimensions” - Roger This unit presents the primary dimension of sustainability, the ecological environment. Lessons from nature, the essential roles of ecosystems and biodiversity in sustaining life on Earth are studied. The unit provides a look at the way our societies/economies interact 90
with the environment, explaining why our linear patterns, which constantly turn natural resources into waste on a global level, are unsustainable and against nature’s cycle patterns. Moreover, this unit engages student to one of the biggest challenge to humanity at the moment moment – Climate Climate Change. Change. Topics to discuss:
• • • • • •
Biodiversity, ecosystem services and the web of life Lessons from Nature Human – Environmen Environmentt interaction interaction The root causes of the environmental crisis: the multiple causation model Climate change – scenarios, causes causes and effects. Tackling climate change – local, regional efforts and and international cooperation cooperation
Unit 4: Food & Water “Hunger and chronic malnutrition diminish human human life. The lack of physical or economic access to safe, nutritious and healthy food at all times leads to negative consequences for 2000, World Food Food Day message peoples and nations.” - Diouf, J., 2000, Food and Water, two issues directly related to our basic needs are investigated in this unit. Students are encouraged to use critical thinking in finding out the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, in analyzing costs and benefits of the solutions, particularly the negative consequences of using technology to increase food supply such as Green Revolution and genetically modified foods. The focus is on the concept of food security and strategies through which this may be attained. This unit develops an understanding of how sustainable farming can both enhance food production and ensure that natural resources are managed in the best way possible for long-term sustainability. The unit also aims to raise awareness on the alarming risk of the global water crisis. Topics to discuss:
• Hunger, Malnutrition, and Food Security • Match the Food First Fundamentals to their opposing myths • The other side of technology: Green Revolution and genetically modified foods • A critical link: Water and Food – Water footprint of Food • Agriculture & Biodiversity • Global water crisis • Sustainable agriculture, organic farming, free range • Slow food, local food, vegetarian movements • Rainwater harvesting, grey water reuse • Natural wastewater treatment
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Unit 5: Energy “We've embarked on the beginning of the last days of the age of oil.” - Mike Bowlin, Bowlin, Chairman, Chairman, ARCO ARCO Every living thing needs energy to maintain their lives on Earth. Every society needs energy to power their social and economic activities. This unit leads students through an adventure across history of human development which has been marked by the inventions of major energy sources. The advantages and disadvantages of each energy source are examined. This unit also provides a global view on current unequal, unsustainable energy supply and consumption. Our world’s addiction to oil, the Peak Oil moment and the energy crisis are also discussed in the relation to various social, environmental, climate change, economic, security problems. Students are encouraged to analyze the issues, considering multiperspectives and making future energy policies or building a strategic energy plan. Topics to discuss:
• Energy sources discoveries through history • Energy and major global issues • World energy supply and consumption: unequal availability and distribution • Peak Oil and the energy crisis • Energy and Transportation • Nuclear energy issues • Energy conservation • Renewable energy prospect • Energy for sustainable development • Innovations in Mobility
Unit 6: Designs for Sustainability “In many ways, the environmental crisis is a design crisis. It is a consequence of how things are made, buildings are constructed, and landscapes are used. By working with living processes, we respect the needs of all species while meeting our own. Engaging in processes that regenerate rather than deplete, we become more alive.” - Sym Van Der Ryn To create a sustainable world, we must infuse the design of products, buildings, and landscapes with respecting for the wisdom of natural systems. Design for sustainability is simply the effective adaptation to and integration with nature’s processes. It is quite an interesting field since it is a harmonious combination of arts, creativity with technology and science. Through illustrative case studies and examples, students explore the philosophy of sustainable designs and technologies. Students are encouraged to recognize the importance of preserving the traditional knowledge and spiritual wisdom in all cultures which contribute to environmental environmental protection and human well being. This unit also introduces the concept of life cycle assessment, eco-labels and full cost accounting 92
(internalization) in order to help consumers identify products that meet the highest social and environmental standards. Topics to discuss:
• • • • • • • • • •
Biomimicry – Nature as Model, Measure and Mentor Mentor Eco designs – integrating renewable materials materials and energies The 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle The Hannover Principles – Designs for Sustainability Life Cycle Assessment Permaculture principles and designs Traditional models Green building Eco-products, Eco-label and environmentally sound technologies Appropriate technology
Unit 7: Social & Cultural Dimensions of Sustainability “The wisdom to perceive the interconnectedness of all life and living; The courage not to fear or deny difference, but to t o respect and strive to understand people of different cultures, and to grow from encounters with them; The compassion to maintain an imaginative i maginative empathy that reaches beyond one's immediate surroundings and extends to those suffering in distant places; Daisaku Iked Ikedaa These qualities are the essential elements of global citizenship” cit izenship”.. - Daisaku This unit explores the social and cultural dimensions of sustainability in the light of inclusiveness and diversity celebration. Creating harmony among diversity is a fundamental issue of the twenty-first century. Diversity should not beget conflict in the world, but richness. On the other hand, the vital role of education and lifelong learning, providing youth and children with educational opportunities that will empower them to contribute to sustainable development is emphasized. Role of mass media is also considered as an effective approach in raising awareness of ecological and social challenges. Moreover, students are encouraged to discuss the importance of moral and spiritual education for sustainable living. Sustainability spirit embraces a culture of peace with mutual respect, solidarity and love. It recognizes recognizes what is deeply and fundamentally important to us – our connection with each other and with t he natural world. Topics to discuss:
• • • • •
Education for Life Health Well-being and Happiness – In search of the Good Life Globalization and cultural identity Multicultural and respect of cultural diversity – Unity in Diversity 93
• Global citizenship • Indigenous knowledge and traditional practices • Heritage conservation • Sense of Place • Community development • Spiritual dimension of Sustainability • Living Values and Personal Development • Nurturing a Culture of Tolerance, Non-violence and Peace • Sustainable tourism
Unit 8: Economic & Politic Dimensions of Sustainability “Good governance is perhaps the most important factor in eradicating poverty and Annan promoting development”. – Kofi A. Annan This unit first questions the limit to growth of our economic systems. It suggests students to reflect on current GDP index as development measurement and to search for alternative indicators of genuine progress. This unit aims to give students a better understanding of how the ideals of democracy, accountability, transparency and inclusive decision making are components of sustainability; and that all trade should support sustainable resource use, environmental protection and progressive labor standards. As poverty is one of the underlying causes compromising sustainability, eradicating poverty is one of the important topics to be discussed. Moreover, the emerging concepts of Corporate Social Responsibility, Social Entrepreneurship are introduced. Students explore the vision of Green Economy and are encouraged to contribute creative and innovative ideas, solutions for building that. Topics to discuss:
• Question to Growth • Genuine Progress • Inequality & Poverty • Poverty Eradication • Democracy • Human Rights • Good Governance: Participation, Transparency, Accountability • Free and Fair Trade • Corporate Social Responsibility Responsibility (CSR) • Social Entrepreneurship • Green Business & Green Economy • Natural Capitalism
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Unit 9: Sustainable Cities & Urban Development “Streets for people, not cars. Destinations easily accessible by foot, bike, and public transit. Health as wellness rather than as absence of disease. Affordable housing for all. Food produced and consumed locally. Renewable sources of energy. Less pollution and more recycling. A vibrant local economy that does not harm the environment. Public awareness and involvement in decision-making. Social justice for women, people of colour and the disabled. Consideration of future generations.” - Mark Roseland, Vision for an Eco-city With the rapid growth in urbanization, today more than half of the world population lives in cities and this trend is expected to continue. Therefore, sustainability is closely related to urban sustainability. The first part of this unit gives an introduction and general view on various aspects of urban development. Then in the second part, students are encouraged to explore urban sustainability and solutions to these issues. At the last part of this unit, students present best practice cases (which they have prepared on their own choices) from cities all over the world. Topics to discuss:
• • •
Overview of urban development issues Eco-city and urban sustainability Best practices exhibition/presentations
Unit 10: Youth Actions for a Sustainable Future Mahatma Gandhi Gandhi “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma This unit is the concluding session for the course, tying up any loose ends, bringing some closure to the class and inspiring students to act and apply what they have learned. Students are encouraged to share their reflections and comments on the course and the principle guideline of the Earth Charter. Questions raised for discussion are “What can individuals do? How can we transform our own lifestyles and inspire others to do the same?” This unit also introduces to students some typical youth actions and networks. Topics to discuss:
• • • • • •
Being a conscious consumer and responsible citizen Living light – towards a minimum impact lifestyle Employment and investment: Green jobs, social entrepreneur Join or start a green group Endorsing the Earth Charter and making it a living document Youth Leadership and Sustainability
Examples: The Youth Action for Change, the Earth Charter Youth Groups and the Green Generation Vietnam Network
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