Problems and issues in urban environmental management : experiences of ten best practices

This document is a synthesis of environmental problems and issues emerging out of studies of ten best practices in urban environmental management in India. Part I provides background on the project and describes its process, scope and the context for Habitat II. Part II is an analysis of ten best practices identifying and prioritizing the urban environmental issues and involvement of stakeholders. It analyzes the institutional setting for urban environmental management focusing on key actors, management functions and coordination and decision making in inter-sectoral perspective for empowering the citizens under a legal and regulatory framework. It also deals with partnerships - community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, local governments, private sector enterprises, state and national government. Gender aspects of urban environmental management are included in a separate section. Lessons and experiences drawn out of the cases for developing capacity building strategies for urban environmental management are highlighted. Part III outlines National Capacity Building Strategies based on the conclusions drawn out of the ten best practices in relation to sustainable urban development.