MSD 019: Unit 12 - SDG11–Sustainable Cities and Communities

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 UNIT 12: SDG 11 – SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

12.0 Introduction

Today, over half of the world’s population lives in urban areas, and by 2050, this number is expected to rise to nearly 70%. Cities are hubs of economic activity, culture, education, and innovation. However, rapid urbanization has led to challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, inadequate infrastructure, and increased vulnerability to disasters.

To address these issues, Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. SDG 11 recognizes the role of urban areas in achieving broader sustainable development objectives and stresses the importance of participatory urban planning, affordable housing, sustainable transport, and green public spaces.

12.0.1 Mapping SDG 11 with Other Global Frameworks for Sustainable Development

SDG 11 aligns with several major global initiatives:

·         New Urban Agenda (Habitat III): Focuses on sustainable urbanization through effective planning, governance, and finance.

·         Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030): Emphasizes risk-informed development, especially in urban areas.

·         Paris Agreement (2015): Urban infrastructure and transport systems are essential in achieving climate targets.

·         UNDRR’s Making Cities Resilient 2030 Campaign: Promotes local disaster risk reduction strategies for sustainable urban development.

These frameworks complement SDG 11 by promoting urban resilience, equitable access, and environmentally sound urbanization strategies.

12.1 Objectives

At the end of this unit, learners should be able to:

·         Understand the concept and importance of SDG 11.

·         Explain the goals, targets, and indicators related to sustainable cities and communities.

·         Explore India’s initiatives in achieving SDG 11.

·         Analyze international examples of successful SDG 11 implementation.

·         Understand the interlinkages between SDG 11 and other SDGs.

12.2 Dimensions of Development in the Context of SDG 11

SDG 11 encompasses multiple dimensions that affect the quality of life in urban and rural settlements:

1. Housing and Basic Services:

·         Access to affordable housing and services like electricity, sanitation, and clean water.

2. Transport and Mobility:

·         Development of safe, affordable, and accessible transport systems, especially for vulnerable groups.

3. Urban Planning and Management:

·         Inclusive and sustainable urban planning to promote compact, connected, and coordinated cities.

4. Heritage and Culture:

·         Protection of cultural and natural heritage sites.

5. Urban Resilience and Disaster Preparedness:

·         Reducing the risk of disasters and ensuring adaptive capacity.

6. Air Quality and Waste Management:

·         Reducing the environmental impact of cities, particularly air pollution and solid waste.

7. Public Spaces:

·         Providing universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green spaces.

12.2.1 Goals, Targets, and Indicators

SDG 11 has 10 targets and several associated indicators, including:

Target

Description

11.1

Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services.

11.2

Provide access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems.

11.3

Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory planning.

11.4

Protect the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

11.5

Reduce the number of deaths and economic losses caused by disasters.

11.6

Reduce cities' environmental impact, focusing on air quality and waste.

11.7

Provide universal access to safe, inclusive green and public spaces.

Indicators include the proportion of urban population living in slums, air pollution levels (PM2.5), and the percentage of public transport usage.

12.2.2 Implementation of Goal in India

India, home to over 400 million urban residents, is actively working toward achieving SDG 11 through multiple schemes:

✅ Smart Cities Mission (2015):

·         Developing 100 smart cities with sustainable and inclusive infrastructure, digital governance, and improved quality of life.

✅ AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation):

·         Focuses on basic services such as water supply, sewerage, urban transport, and green spaces in 500 cities.

✅ PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana):

·         Aims to provide housing for all urban poor by 2022 through financial assistance and slum rehabilitation.

✅ Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban):

·         Focuses on solid waste management, toilet construction, and cleanliness.

✅ National Urban Transport Policy:

·         Promotes equitable, accessible, and environmentally sustainable urban transport systems.

India also integrates disaster risk reduction in urban planning through initiatives supported by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

12.3 International Case Examples

12.3.1 Smart City Platform – València, Spain

València has developed a comprehensive Smart City Platform integrating over 600 data sources, including transport, lighting, energy, and waste. The city uses real-time data for:

·         Efficient resource management.

·         Reducing emissions and energy consumption.

·         Improved urban services through participatory governance.

València’s model showcases how technology and citizen involvement can build inclusive and sustainable cities.

12.3.2 Community-Based Landslide Early Warning System – Indonesia

In Indonesia, the Community-Based Landslide Early Warning System (CB-LEWS) is implemented to enhance disaster preparedness. Features include:

·         Community monitoring of rainfall and soil moisture.

·         SMS-based alerts.

·         Training and awareness at the local level.

This initiative integrates disaster risk reduction, community empowerment, and technology, making vulnerable communities more resilient.

12.4 Inter-linkages with Other SDGs

SDG 11 is closely connected to several other goals:

·         SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Urban air pollution and sanitation affect health.

·         SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Urban planning affects access to water and sanitation.

·         SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Energy-efficient buildings and transport are crucial.

·         SDG 13 (Climate Action): Urban areas are major emitters and vulnerable to climate impacts.

·         SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Safe public transport and housing benefit women disproportionately.

These interlinkages underline the need for integrated urban development strategies.

12.5 Let’s Sum Up

·         SDG 11 seeks to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities.

·         The goal includes targets on housing, transport, disaster risk reduction, and green public spaces.

·         India is working toward SDG 11 through flagship missions like Smart Cities, AMRUT, and PMAY.

·         International best practices, like those from Spain and Indonesia, offer scalable models.

·         Achieving SDG 11 contributes directly to many other SDGs and is key to realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 

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