About this course: Urbanization is the defining global phenomenon of this century. For the first time in history, more than half the world’s population lives in urban areas. Between 2000 and 2030, in developing countries, the urban population is expected to double, and entire built-up areas are projected to triple if current trends continue. This rapid demographic and spatial transformation may prove to be difficult for cities in developing countries, especially small- and medium-sized cities, where capacity is typically inadequate to cope with major urban challenges. These challenges include climate change, resource scarcity, slum growth and increased poverty, and safety and security concerns.
Urban land use planning, if led by well-informed policies based on sustainable development principles and supported by well-planned and well-managed initiatives, including investments, can help address these challenges. In this regard, WBI developed this course, which covers many of these policies and actions in detail. The course aims to: ensure that participants have a functional and integrated understanding of the dynamics of urban land use; and demonstrate how to effectively utilize policies and planning instruments to manage urban growth and achieve sustainable, equitable and efficient development outcomes. The course is composed of the following modules:
The course is prepared as an e-learning initiative with two versions. The facilitated version includes tutor-guided discussions, exercises on strategies, programs and action plans, and self-administered tests, which helps participants share their findings with fellow participants and receive feedback. The self-paced version includes non-moderated online discussions and self-administered tests to encourage knowledge sharing among participants themselves.
https://olc.worldbank.org/content/sustainable-urban-land-use-planning-self-paced