in the Caribbean

A Publication of UNFPA produced by ECLAC / CDCC November 2007 / Vol.1, Issue 3

Making Plans to Unleash the Potential of Urban Growth

The 2007 UNFPA State of World Population Report

he potential benefits of urbanisation far outweigh the disadvantages: The challenge is in learning how to exploit its possibilities. This is the bold declaration made by the latest UNFPA State of World Population Report, Unleashing the Potential of Urban Growth, launched earlier this year. The 2007 Report, which had its regional launch in Trinidad and Tobago on July 11, 2007, says urbanization is inevitable and urges countries to look beyond familiar challenges of urban growth (poverty, inadequate housing, environmental degradation and weak local governance) and to plan to take advantage of its opportunities. In 2008 more than half of the worlds population will be living in urban areas. Most new urban dwellers will be poor and in the developing world. It is on this basis that the report calls for a pre-emptive approach by planners and policymakers to address urbanization. Urbanization the increase in the total share of the population living in urban areas is a feature of Caribbean life, as 65 percent of the regions population is classified as urban. Caribbean people, like many people all over the world, are drawn to the city or towns bright lights and opportunities for better education,

Urbanization in the Caribbean is not without challenges however and in a few countries (including Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana) population distribution and urbanization are issues of concern. These challenges and concerns exist across the developing world. continued on page 3

IN THIS ISSUE
From the Editors 2 ............................................................... ICPD, MDGs and Urbanization 2 ............................................................... Text Box 1 Defining Urbanization 3 ............................................................... ICHP - Transforming Housing into Homes for Jamaicas Urban Poor 4 ............................................................... Special Report Moving Up But Not Out of City Kingston 4 ............................................................... Trinidad and Tobago 73 Percent Urban and Growing! 5 ............................................................... Text Box 2 Five Top Misconceptions about Urban Growth 6 ............................................................... Jamaica Urbanisations Mixed Blessings Old Harbour, Jamaica 7 ............................................................... Events and Publications 8

The State of World Population Report 2007 challenges countries to plan for the challenges and opportunities of urbanization.

employment and social and economic improvement. Historically, urban areas in the Caribbean developed to foster interaction and trade between colonies and the metropole. These areas were characterised by coastal locations to facilitate easy access to ports. Industrial Free Zones established in urban areas of some countries between the 1960s and 1980s attracted workers. The development of the tourism industry has led to a steady stream of jobseekers from rural areas to urban tourism centres. Declining agriculture also drives urban drift.

From the

Editors

From the

Editors

From the

Editors

This issue of the UNFPA/ECLAC ICPD newsletter on population and development is dedicated to Urbanization and Development in keeping with the focus brought to this issue by the UNFPA 2007 State of World Population Report. Our objective is to underscore the importance that ECLAC and UNFPA attach to urbanization globally and also in the Caribbean. Present trends indicate that urbanization will be of unprecedented speed and scale in the coming years. The projected growth demands urgent action from policy makers and governments, if they are to maximize the benefits of this process to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In this edition, we share the major highlights from this global report and present examples of approaches adopted by various Caribbean countries to effectively manage urbanization.

We all know that achievement of the MDGs depends on the extent to which cities across the globe manage developmental issues such as access to safe water and sanitation, health facilities, education, employment and transportation. This newsletter provides background information to stimulate public discussion on the benefits and challenges of urban growth. We hope that regional planners and policymakers will be encouraged to undertake in-depth analysis and begin to implement proactive measures to take advantage of the potential benefits of urbanization.
Editorial Team :
Althea Buchanan - UNFPA Karoline Schmid - UN/ECLAC Gail Hoad - Communication Consultant

The ICPD, the Millennium Development Goals and Urbanization

The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), held in Cairo, Egypt in 1994, was the largest intergovernmental conference on population and development ever held. More than 180 states participated in negotiations to prepare a Programme of Action to be implemented over 20 years. This newsletter, ICPD in Action, highlights key issues raised in the ICPD Programme of Action and examines ways in which they are being addressed in the Caribbean. The work of agencies such as the UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and the Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) are also guided by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) eight goals to be achieved by 2015 that respond to the world's main development challenges. The ICPD Programme of Action, recognising urbanisations challenges and opportunities, urges governments to build the capacity of city and municipal authorities to manage urban development in ways which protect the environment and respond to the needs of all citizens, including urban squatters. It cites personal safety, basic infrastructure and services, health and social problems and criminality as challenges to be addressed in the urban context. MDG 7, Ensure Environmental Sustainability, also sets a goal for improved urban life in Target 11, which aims to Achieve significant improvement in lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers by 2020. A 2004 review of the Implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action in the Caribbean notes that for a few states in the sub-region, population distribution and urbanization are issues of growing concern: Urbanisation creates pressures on the environment, particularly in ecologically vulnerable ecosystems. The challenge is to provide infrastructure and basic social services. Some strategies developed by Caribbean states to address these challenges follow the ICPD blueprint by: facilitating semi-urban housing developments; regularizing squatter communities and ensuring their access to basic services such as electricity, transport and water; improving access to health and education services in rural areas and providing incentives for rural development. The review concludes that Caribbean governments need improved data collecting systems and more data on internal, inter-regional and international migration. This should help Caribbean states better understand and support the flows of people within, as well as into and out of, their borders.

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TEXT BOX
URBAN The United Nations defines urban areas as settlements or localities defined as urban by national statistical agencies. The differences between countries and between geographical areas make it difficult to provide universal definitions of urban and rural. Different countries often use their own concepts in defining these areas, making international comparisons problematic. URBANIZATION - is the process of transition from a rural to a more urban society. In statistical terms, it reflects a growing proportion of a countrys total population living in urban areas. This occurs as a result of net rural to urban migration, natural increase and reclassification of rural areas as urban.

Defining Urbanization
In Barbados, 53.9 percent of the islands population is defined as urban. Virtually the entire population of the Cayman Islands is considered urban. In the Bahamas 90.9 percent of the population is described as urban. In Jamaica where 54 percent of the population is classified as urban, urban areas, as defined by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, must have a minimum population of 2000 persons and have amenities and facilities that

indicate modern living including a tax office, post office and police station. In Guyana urban dwellers account for 28.2 percent of the population, and the countrys main urban structure is composed of six municipal centres -the city of Georgetown and the towns of New Amsterdam, Linden, Corriverton, Rose Hall and Anna Regina. Trinidad and Tobago defines 73 percent of its population as urban.
(Definitions and Statistics taken from: UNFPA State of World Population Report 2007)

continued from page 1

Making Plans to Unleash the Potential of Urban Growth

The 2007 UNFPA State of World Population Report

The 2007 Report points out that very few developing country cities generate enough jobs to meet the demands of their growing populations[and] the benefits of urbanization are not equally enjoyed by all segments of the population. It notes however, that despite large numbers of urban residents, persistent underdevelopment and shortage of urban jobs which produce challenging social and economic conditions, rural urban migrants generally prefer their new life in the towns to the one they left behind (see Special Report, pg.4). Migrants are making a rational decision and based on the choices they face, cities are the more attractive option. In the Caribbean, with the exception of Barbados, the majority of the poor live in rural areas. Although urban poverty is more severe and more visible, the proportion of poor people in rural areas is greater than that in urban areas. Today, cities generally have greater potential than rural areas for reducing

poverty. Cities are the main site of economic growth in most countries... [They] also have the potential to improve peoples lives directly and at a lower cost than rural areas[as] cities can provide much cheaper access to basic infrastructure and services to their entire populations the 2007 State of World Population Report explains. It concludes that taking advantage of urbanisations opportunities requires: 1. Preparing for the urban future in ways that respect the rights of the poor to the city and facilitate policies which promote the welfare and upward social and economic mobility of the poor, including social development, investments in health and education and empowerment of women. 2. Providing broader and longer term vision on the use of urban space including provision of serviced land to

A crowded, bustling, market street in downtown Kingston, Jamaica.

the poor and managing the urban space in advance of needs to ensure environmental protection. 3. Ensuring that population institutions and specialists play a key role in supporting community organisations, social movements, governments and the international community to support sustainable strategies for the urban future.
For the complete report and additional information on it go online to http://www.unfpa.org/swp/swpmain.htm

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JAMAICA

JAMAICA

JAMAICA

The Inner City Housing Project

The Inner City Housing Project (ICHP) in Jamaica is an initiative of the National Housing Trust (NHT), the government agency mandated to improve the countrys housing stock and promote greater efficiency in the housing sector. The goal of the ICHP is to improve living conditions in urban communities with high unemployment, low education levels and substandard living conditions. Overcrowding, poor sanitation and poor or non-existent infrastructure are among the challenges facing residents.

Transforming Housing into Homes for Jamaicas Urban Poor

The project aims to build 5000 housing units in sixteen degraded urban communities, most of which are in the Kingston Metropolitan Area, over a four year period (2004-2008). Only community persons are eligible to apply for houses. They can purchase units at a subsidized price through an NHT mortgage or enter into a lease agreement with the organisation if they cannot afford monthly mortgage payments. According to the 2007 State of World

New Housing Units under the Inner City Housing Project in Kingston, Jamaica

Population Report, the association between poverty, environment and housing is critical, as policies directed to improving shelter in urban areas can have huge impacts on poverty reduction and environmental well-being. continued on page 8

SPECIAL REPORT
Anthony Brown Moving Up But Not Out of City Kingston

SPECIAL REPORT

SPECIAL REPORT
By 1986 however Mr. Brown was back in the heart of Kingston, in the tough inner city community of Greenwich Town. He spent twenty years there before the ICHP offered him an opportunity to move into Caribbean Palms Estate, which is also located in Kingston. He admits that city life and ghetto life are difficult but have advantages. City life is for the young with the excitement and the hustle and bustle and opportunities. Ghetto life, which is different from city life, is college! It is interesting. When you can live in an inner city and survive you can do anything. Ghetto people can overcome anything thrown at them without even knowing they can do it. Survival is a way of life! While he would like to return to the country eventually, Mr. Brown wants to improve life in his new community. He enjoys the spacious surroundings and says beautification and environmental projects in the estate are an attempt to bring some of the countrysides peace and greenery into the inner city. He also wants to help his neighbours build community spirit and take responsibility for changing their lives.

............................................................................
Anthony Brown is a proud resident of Caribbean Palms Estate, a 186 unit housing development which opened its doors to residents of inner-city Kingston in 2006, under the Inner City Housing Project (ICHP). Mr. Brown who is head of the strata (management organisation) for the seven acre development is not a Kingston native. He is a rural-urban migrant who, at 8 years old, made the journey from rural St James to Kingston with his mother. Most naturally she came looking for work and trying to find a better way for herself and her family. And of course she was probably just interested to see what town life was like, Mr. Brown who is now in his early forties says, in explaining his mothers move to the city. He lived for a few years in Kingston, but moved to the rural Stony Hill district in the late 1970s. He feels this experience helped mould me and make me into what I am.It was peaceful. There you could hear birds,

Anthony Brown and his son Giovanni enjoy their new home, the inner city housing development, Caribbean Palms Estate in Kingston, Jamaica.
see trees.Friends were friends. People would do things for each other. There was brotherly love and caring.

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TRINIDAD &TOBAGO

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

TRINIDAD &TOBAGO

The regional launch of the UNFPAs State of World Population Report took place earlier this year in Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean state in which 73 percent of the population is urban and where urban growth is 2 percent. Keynote speaker at the launch was Trinidad and Tobagos Planning and Development Minister, Camille Robinson-Regis, who outlined strategies being undertaken by the government of the country to address urbanization. Mrs Robinson-Regis said the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has been actively preparing for urbanization in its plans to achieve its development targets for 2020. She explained that the Government has articulated a National Developmental Plan, Vision 2020, which aims to transform the country into a developed nation by the year 2020. The Minister outlined several policies which address urbanization directly or indirectly and which have been incorporated into the Vision 2020 Operational Plan. These policies will tackle various issues associated with urban growth including: accelerated high density housing; urban renewal and redevelopment; development of Local Area Plans with provision for more green spaces in urban
Busy Commercial Street in Port of Spain, Trinidad

Minister revealed that the Town and Country Planning Division of her Ministry is updating the National Physical Development Plan (NPDP) to guide development for the entire country. She said the NPDP has identified several growth centres nationally which have been targeted for development in order to spur on urbanization, as well as areas which are lagging behind and for which development is to be encouraged. Lagging centres to be given attention as growth poles include La Brea and Princes Town in South West and South Central Trinidad, and Mayaro in Eastern Trinidad. There are also major infrastructural projects to extend highways to access rural areas in order to encourage development, and studies focussing on the best and most viable transportation systems for the country have been commissioned. According to the Minister, the Government has plans to contain squatting and transform existing squatter settlements across the country into more planned and sustainable communities. She said that in the context of the current economic boom, Government has accelerated its housing programmes and intends to build 100,000 units over the next 10 years through government and private sector initiatives.

Trinidad and Tobago

Urban and Growing!

and Tobago has been actively preparing for

% 73

Mrs Robinson-Regis said the Government of Trinidad

urbanization in its plans to achieve its development targets for 2020.

centres; traffic congestion in urban areas; building sustainable communities in non-urban areas and improved transportation networks. In addition to these measures, the

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TEXT BOX

1. Urbanization is Inherently Bad

The concentration of visible poverty and environmental degradation in cities can lead people to believe that urbanization and urban growth are evils in themselves. This view is wrong. Cities have long been the places for economic growth in most countries. Higher intensity of economic activity in cities favours jobs and income, the starting point for improved social welfare. Proximity and concentration make it easier and cheaper for cities to provide citizens with basic social services, infrastructure and amenities.

2
migration are to favour the

prevent

rural-urban

misguided, from economic, social and demographic standpoints.

The Poor are 4. the Economya Drain on

Policymakers in developing countries increasingly appear containment of poor people in rural areas. While it may seem sensible to try to keep rural-urban migration down to a level consistent with the availability of urban jobs and services, a major consideration is that rural areas generally present even fewer options for gainful employment and for fulfilling minimal socio-economic aspirations.

2. Most UrbaninGrowth is Occurring Mega-Cities

Much public attention has been centered on mega-cities (with 10 million or more people) in recent years. There are about 20 such cities in the world today. These mega-cities are NOT home to a large proportion of the worlds urban population. Smaller cities (with less than 500,000 inhabitants) still contain more than half of the worlds urban population and will continue to absorb about 50 percent of urban growth in the foreseeable future. Mega-cities account for only 9 per cent of the urban population.

5. City Growth Inevitably Hurts the Environment

The expansion of cities often spreads

Five Top Misconceptions About Urban Growth

(Taken from the State of World Population Report 2007)

over lands that are rich in biodiversity. Unmitigated urban sprawl increases energy use as well as air pollution. Urban areas concentrate most of the worlds most damaging production and consumption practices. Nevertheless, it is increasingly being recognized that the concentration of population in cities is important for sustainability. Given a global population of 6.7 billion people and growing, concentration in dense urban areas is essential. The problems of

Rural-Urban Migration 3.Should be Controlled

In much of the developing world, natural increase (births over deaths) and not migration is the dominant factor in urban growth. In some Caribbean states however rural urban migration is a major factor in urban growth. Migrants from rural areas tend to do relatively well in

urban habitats because of their youth, high aspirations, and other personal characteristics. People migrate to urban areas because of economic rationale: As workers they need the opportunities cities offer and cities need workers. Cities also offer better access to services and amenities. The State of World Population Report therefore concludes that attempts to

ecologically-harmful production and consumption in urban areas are derived from a given pattern of civilization, not from concentration of people.

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URBANIZATION

URBANIZATION

URBANIZATION

Jamaica has experienced significant growth in towns outside of its two cities Kingston and Montego Bayover the past twenty years. The parish of St Catherine has many of these growing urban areas and according to Jamaicas 2001 census, its population grew by 26.3% between 1991 and 2001. This growth rate, nearly three times higher than the rate for the entire country, is a result of planned and unplanned development of urban centres in the parish. Old Harbour and Old Harbour Bay are two such centres. Old Harbour had one of the highest rates of growth in all Jamaica. It was therefore fitting that the local launch of the 2007 State of World Population Report, Unleashing the Potential of Urban Growth, on June 26, 2007, focused on this town. The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), conducted research on Old Harbour and presented its findings at the launch. Population growth in Old Harbour has been explosive - from 17,966 in 1991 to 23,823 in 2001, and up to 29,835 in 2005. Old Harbours growing population has spilled over into Old Harbour Bay, a sprawling fishing settlement reclassified as a main town in the last fifty years. This growth is proof of the State of World Population assertion that most urban

population growth is likely to be in smaller cities and towns, not in larger cities. Old Harbour is an important site for residential and commercial developments. It has a large commuting population, as many residents work in the Kingston Metropolitan Area, about 40 minutes away. The town has a diverse economic base. Fishing is a major industry because of Old Harbour Bay. Agriculture, manufacturing, financial services and commercial establishments complete the picture of its bustling economic life. The 2007 Report repeatedly states that urbanization is driven by the fact that people follow jobs, economic activity and opportunities. These are increasingly concentrated in and around dynamic urban areas, large and small. The PIOJ identified some serious impacts of urbanization on Old Harbour including: inappropriate, haphazard development; inadequacy of basic services; congestion; air and effluent pollution and encroachment on wetlands. Like the 2007 Report, local planning specialist Pauline McHardy points to the need to plan for social and sustainable use of space, better information to guide decision making and strengthening of governance.

Fishing is a major industry in Old Harbour, which has 1042 registered fishermen and 268 fishing boats. Here fish vending takes place in Old Harbour Bay.

Urbanizations Mixed Blessings

Old Harbour, Jamaica
Old Harbour is an important site for residential and commercial developments. It has a large commuting population, as many residents work in the Kingston Metropolitan Area, about 40 minutes away.

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Publications
The Global Report on Human Settlements 2007, Enhancing Urban Safety and Security (UN-Habitat) addresses some of the most challenging threats to the safety and security of urban dwellers today including urban violence and crime; insecure tenure of millions of slum dwellers who risk arbitrary eviction; and environmental threats to urban dwellers. It points to the key role of urban planning and governance in making cities safe and secure for generations to come. To order a copy check the Website: www.unhabitat.org.

Events and Observances

Upcoming
November 9, 2007 Seminar on Migration Data Collection, Management and Sharing in the Caribbean, organized by ECLAC and IOM (International Organisation for Migration), the Cayman Islands ................................................ November 25, 2007 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women ................................................ November 21, 2007 UNFPA Caribbean Media Awards Ceremony at Queen's Hall, St Ann's, Trinidad and Tobago.
The competition, established by UNFPA in 1999, has recognised several journalists for their role in increasing understanding of the impact of population and reproductive health issues on development. For the 2007 awards, the focus is on Urban Growth.

Recent
October 1, 2007 World Habitat Day Celebrations under the theme A Safe City is a Just City .................................................. October 1-5, 2007 International Conference on the State of Safety in World Cities 2007 (UN-Habitat), Monterrey, Mexico ................................................. October 1, 2007 International Day of Older Persons ................................................. October 10 -11, 2007 CELADE (The Latin American and
Caribbean Demographic Centre)

State of the World 2007: Our Urban Future (Worldwatch Institute) examines changes in the ways cities are managed, built, and lived in that could tip the balance towards a healthier and more peaceful urban future. Besides highlighting challenges, the report also describes how communities and local governments have pioneered groundbreaking policies to address poverty and environmental concerns. To order a copy check the Website: www.worldwatch.org

Business for Sustainable Urbanization Challenges and Opportunities (UN-Habitat) 2007 examines the role of the private sector as a vital partner in ensuring sustainability for the worlds cities. It asserts that private sector partnerships and a concerted approach to land, basic infrastructure and services and affordable accessible housing solutions are critical to practical sustainability in cities. To order or download a copy check the Website: www.unhabitat.org.

................................................ December 1, 2007 World AIDS Day ................................................ December 4 6, 2007 CELADE (The Latin American
and Caribbean Demographic Centre) Second

Regional Intergovernmental Conference on Ageing, Brasilia, Brazil

International Seminar and 50th Anniversary Commemoration, ECLAC, Santiago Chile ................................................. October 17, 2007 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty ................................................. October 24, 2007 United Nations Day ................................................. October 30, 2007 Caribbean Intergovernmental Conference -Follow-up to the Latin America and Caribbean Regional Plan of Action: Focus on Ageing, Trinidad and Tobago

continued from page 4

The Inner City Housing Project Transforming Housing into Homes for Jamaicas Urban Poor

Targeted communities benefit from social as well as physical development. Wendy Jo Williams, Social Development Manager with the ICHP, explains that a social development strategy is necessary to help people make the transition from squatting or free living to home ownership and to ensure the programmes sustainability. Interventions aimed at job creation and job generation have been developed, providing new homeowners with training in job readiness, social skills and vocational areas. Programmes encourage environmental protection,

community beautification community management.

and

Under the Inner City Housing Project there is also psycho-social training linked to many things. We have tried to use Capoiera to teach personal development and conflict resolution.We provide training in parenting, reproductive health, you name it, Ms. Williams notes. Results have been mixed. Some communities have seen more success in social programmes, community organisation and mortgage repayments

than others. Caribbean Palms Estate in West Kingston is one success story. Ms. Williams feels however that a key achievement is the construction of so many housing units in inner-city Kingston. The biggest challenge she says is job generation which is a problem nationally, regionally and internationally. It is opportunities for employment and job creation which will empower these urban residents to provide for their own needs and make the ICHP sustainable.

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ICPD IN ACTION