GIS4URdev

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 i
n 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

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