Framing Sustainable Cities & Communities
The economic role of cities has gained more meaning in the modern era of economic globalisation. It allows us to witness the rapid de-industrialisation in many metropolitan cities. Due to this, many cities are rapidly improving their institutional and resource capacities to improve their competitive position. Globalisation is affecting not only the large metropolitans but also many smaller cities, towns and even villages. The fact that cities are creating wealth and are offering greater life opportunities to its citizens, the question arises, is it sustainable?
From a major concern of environmental side effects to inefficient governance and leadership styles within these cities, the pleasant effects of globalisation are backlashing. To tackle these problems, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) were launched, “which are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere.” This call to action set out a 15-year plan to achieve 17 goals. One out of the 17 goals is Goal#11, “Sustainable Cities and Communities”, which I think is the most important one since it relates to all the other goals as well. It helps in accessing financial means to implement transformative projects and infrastructure that is needed to make that city/community resilient and sustainable. Moreover, this goal allows remote and vulnerable communities to improve resilience to disasters and climate change impacts. It also provides access to green and public spaces that are safe and can be utilized for multiple purposes. Lastly, it enhances cultural and natural heritage to foster vibrant and sustainable local economies.
When we apply the above-mentioned strategies on a local level, it is called Sustainable Community Development (SCD). It means thinking globally and acting locally. As we know, sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is critical of conventional ideas of development; therefore, it resembles a living system in which human, natural and economic elements are interdependent and draw strength from each other. This type of development also helps its residents in seeking a better quality of life while maintaining the natural environment around them, that includes: minimizing waste, preventing pollution and promoting efficiency
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Community Capital Framework (CCF) also plays an important role in SCD. It consists of six types of capitals, they are: natural, physical, economic, human, social and cultural. Natural capital includes limited use of natural resources and using it sustainably. Physical capital, on the other hand, focuses on the community’s
assets such as public facilities, e.g. school, hospital, etc. Economic capital focuses on maximizing the resources available within the community. Investing in health, education, and wellbeing allows the human capital of a community to improve. Social capacity focuses attention towards effective governance and
capacity-building within the community. Lastly, preserving traditions, culture and values allow cultural capital to improve as well. A full integration and a balance between these capitals are required to accomplish positive SCD.
Our planet is going through a climate-crisis as you read this, we surely cannot prevent it, but we can mitigate it. In order to do that, it is important for cities to understand and implement the tools mentioned above as each city is a community within itself. Let’s work together before cities become breeding grounds for pollution, malaise, and poverty.