Geographic Information Science for Urban and Regional Development in Asia and Africa (co-organiser with ForUm, Dept. of Geography, University of Cologne) (co-funded by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Germany, 2008)

INTRODUCTION

The challenges and problems of urban and peri-urban regions and their development are becoming more and more apparent in the globalised world. Besides the traditional planning, critical issues like 'conflict prevention' and 'crisis management' have become crucial factors and important tasks for appropriate planning, management and development processes all over the world. The urban and regional developments of Asia and Africa are very dynamic processes and are characterised by complex socio-economic challenges prevailing in these regions. Fast growing populations, climatic change, increasing risks and natural hazards as well as social and political influences of the globalisation process are forcing the spatial planning and management agencies to apply new and appropriate concepts.

OBJECTIVE

North–South–South Cooperation for Capacity Enhancement in the context of increasing globalisation, worldwide processes of urbanisation and regional development are of growing importance for research, teaching and capacity enhancement, particularly in regard to development policy and economic cooperation.

ACTIVITIES:

• Organise an international Summer School in Laos PDR involving various stake holders from several countries in Africa, Asia and Europe.
• Provide a platform for sharing and exchange of experties and experiences among the stakeholders through presentations and discussions
• Complement the ideas and example of 'good practices' with practical oriented 'hand-on' workshops.
• Create congenial environment for networking through study programmes and other activities for future cooperation

PARTNERS:

Organiser Institutions

GERMANY:  - ForUm at the Department of Geography, University of Cologne, Cologne  - German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) AUSTRIA:  - Centre for Geoinformatics (Z_GIS), University of Salzburg, Salzburg

Participant Institutions

BANGLADESH:  - Institute of Water Modeling, Dhaka  - Public Works Department (PWD), Feni PWD Sub-Division (Civil), Mohipal, Feni BHUTAN:  - College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, Lobesa  - Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan, Kanglung CAMBODIA:  - Planning Unit Battambang, Cambodia ETHIOPIA:  - Institute of Urban Planning, Urban Plan Preparation Unit, Tigray/Mekelle GERMANY:  - Berlin University of Technology, Berlin  - Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Cologne  - German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)  - German Development Service (DED)  - German Technical Cooperation (GTZ)  - University of Cologne, Cologne  - University of Tuebingen, Germany INDIA:  - Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Kolkata  -  Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi INDONESIA:  - University of Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta  - Local Planning Council Wonosobo, Java KENYA:  - Maseno University, Maseno LAO P.D.R:  - Development of Planning and Investment, Houay Xai, Bokeo Province  - Lao-German Company Ltd.  - Lao National Mekong Committee, Vientiane  - Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vientiane  - Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Vientiane  - National Geographic Department, Vientiane  - National University of Laos, Vientiane  - Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), Vientiane MALAWI:  - Ministry of Local Governance and Rural Development, Chitipa  - Zomba District Assembly, Zomba MALAYSIA:  - Consultant, Town Planning and Real Estate Management, Penang NEPAL:  - Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu NIGERIA:  -  University of Uyo, Uyo SOUTH AFRICA.  - University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg SUDAN:  - University of Juba, Juba UGANDA: - Makerere University, Kampala VIETNAM: - Southern Institute of Water Resources Research (SIWRR), Ho Chi Minh City

OUTCOMES

• International Summer School was organised in Vientiane, Lao PDR from 21st September to 4th October, 2008.
• 40 participants from 19 Countries took part in various activities.
• 31 papers and presentations were delivered to share the ideas, experiences and best practices.
• 3 day field excursion to the was organised to the UNESCO Heritage Site Luang Prabang.
• 2 'hand-on' practical workshop were organised to enhance the applications of GIScience methids and techniques.
  
• The papers presented during the Summer School were revised and refined for publishinmg the proceedings in the form of a book entitled 'Geographic Information Science for Urban and Regional Development in Asia and Africa' edited by Ms. Christine Knee and Dr. Shahnawaz.

Contact: Dr. Shahnawaz, Centre for Geoinformatics (Z_GIS), University of Salzburg, Austria.