ENB:04:11
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HABITAT:
Jochen Eigen, Coordinator of the Sustainable
Cities Programme, and Graham Alabaster, Human Settlements
Officer, spoke on land degradation resulting from urbanization,
industrialization, mining and tourism. The focus of this
presentation was on the need to accommodate population growth
through sustainable urbanization and reduce environmental
degradation. He pointed out that urbanization accommodates
population growth; environmental degradation can limit the
benefits of urbanization; land degradation is one environmental
concern associated with urbanization; and strengthening urban
management capacity helps combat desertification. Attempts to
manage population growth and migration have not been effective
and HABITAT is now focussing on urban management. He also pointed
out the cross-cutting nature of urban environmental issues; the
need for any urban management strategies to involve those whose
interests are affected, including women; and the need to involve
and strengthen the public, private and community sectors. He
explained how HABITAT's Sustainable Cities programme can be put
to use to combat desertification.