Urban environmental management in developing countries : toward a policy and program agenda

This report emphasizes the need for environmentally sensitive management in order to sustain the developing world"s urban economic development. It begins by suggesting a conceptual framework for understanding the urban environment"s major components - population, ecosystem, infrastructure and land use patterns, economy, and institutions - and the interplay between them. Within this framework, the report discusses the tools, methods, and processes of urban environmental protection and management. Particular emphasis is placed on methods of enhancing economic growth; strengthening local governments and urban institutions; creating better systems for guiding urban growth; improving the delivery and management of urban land, infrastructure, and services; and encouraging private initiative. A possible program and policy agenda for A.I.D."s Office of Housing and Urban Programs is then proposed, which draws from both past experience and solutions emerging from the above discussions.