Informal settlements in the Pacific and links to sustainable development

Gero, A; Kohlitz, J; Willetts, JR

Informal settlements in the Pacific and links to sustainable development

Gero, A

Kohlitz, J

Willetts, JR

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Publisher:: Development Studies Network Ltd
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Development Bulletin, 2017, 78 pp. 91 - 96
Issue Date:: 2017-08-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Gero, A https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7047-4250	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Kohlitz, J https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4265-1632	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Willetts, JR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3975-9642	en_US
dc.date.issued	2017-08-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Development Bulletin, 2017, 78 pp. 91 - 96	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	1035-1132	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/118057
dc.description.abstract	This paper explores the contemporary issues associated with informal settlements in the Pacific in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11—Sustainable Cities and Communities. We explore the challenges of water and sanitation service provision in informal settlements, and describe steps being made to address these challenges. Finally, we look at the future of informal settlements in the Pacific in the context of sustainable development, examining specific examples of progress in Solomon Islands and Fiji. As urban populations grow, so too have rates of urban poverty and populations residing in informal settlements. Given the lack of suitable housing, large numbers of new settlers have no choice but to live in temporary shelters or on marginal land. Informal settlements are characterised by overcrowding, poor access to services (including water, sanitation and electricity), roads and drainage. Settlement areas are also more highly prone to natural hazards such as flooding due to their location on marginal land including mangroves, riverbanks, floodplains and steep slopes (ADB 2016). Informal settlements can exist in many different forms, from newly established settlements of disparate individuals, to those mimicking rural villages through their more mature governance and micro-economic systems (ibid). This, along with the heterogeneity of Pacific Island countries in general, highlights the need for careful consideration in supporting the sustainable development of informal settlements—an issue that cuts across many of the SDGs. As for all complex development challenges, an inclusive approach is required, as advocated by the SDGs. Governments, civil society, the private sector, donors, multilateral organisations and other actors have roles to play to ensure development progress is made for people residing in informal settlements.	en_US
dc.publisher	Development Studies Network Ltd	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Development Bulletin	en_US
dc.title	Informal settlements in the Pacific and links to sustainable development	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	78	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/DVC (Research)
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/DVC (Research)/Institute For Sustainable Futures
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - ISF - Institute for Sustainable Futures
utslib.copyright.status	open_access
pubs.consider-herdc	false	en_US
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	78	en_US

Abstract:

This paper explores the contemporary issues associated with informal settlements in the Pacific in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11—Sustainable Cities and Communities. We explore the challenges of water and sanitation service provision in informal settlements, and describe steps being made to address these challenges. Finally, we look at the future of informal settlements in the Pacific in the context of sustainable development, examining specific examples of progress in Solomon Islands and Fiji. As urban populations grow, so too have rates of urban poverty and populations residing in informal settlements. Given the lack of suitable housing, large numbers of new settlers have no choice but to live in temporary shelters or on marginal land. Informal settlements are characterised by overcrowding, poor access to services (including water, sanitation and electricity), roads and drainage. Settlement areas are also more highly prone to natural hazards such as flooding due to their location on marginal land including mangroves, riverbanks, floodplains and steep slopes (ADB 2016). Informal settlements can exist in many different forms, from newly established settlements of disparate individuals, to those mimicking rural villages through their more mature governance and micro-economic systems (ibid). This, along with the heterogeneity of Pacific Island countries in general, highlights the need for careful consideration in supporting the sustainable development of informal settlements—an issue that cuts across many of the SDGs. As for all complex development challenges, an inclusive approach is required, as advocated by the SDGs. Governments, civil society, the private sector, donors, multilateral organisations and other actors have roles to play to ensure development progress is made for people residing in informal settlements.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/118057