4 ways habitat planning builds safer, thriving communities

Nearly 40 percent of the world’s urban population resides in secondary cities – many in the Global South and facing rapid, unprecedented growth. Unlike major metropolitan hubs, these cities often lack the data, infrastructure and planning needed to keep up with urban expansion, leaving millions vulnerable to climate change, natural disasters and inadequate services.

Habitat planning offers a critical opportunity to shape the futures of these cities, ensuring sustainable growth and safeguarding the well-being of their communities while unlocking potential for economic prosperity. Here’s how:

Countries like Pakistan, India, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan frequently face disasters – floods, landslides, droughts and heatwaves – exacerbated by climate change. What’s more, in mountainous regions of these countries, rapid urbanisation is forcing homes and infrastructure into hazard-prone areas, putting them at risk of destruction. As people migrate from villages to towns for economic opportunities, pressure on land increases, leading to expansion on steep slopes and in valleys where exposure to rockfalls and landslides is heightened.

AKDN’s habitat planning integrates climate adaptation and risk management into city planning, ensuring that homes, infrastructure and livelihoods are shielded from hazards. For instance, in Khorog and Naryn, city plans now identify hazard risk zones and disincentivise building in red zones.

In Pakistan’s Kalash Valley, a project funded by the Embassy of Denmark helps communities strengthen disaster resilience by leveraging local knowledge of past hazards. Gathering first-hand accounts from families about the impacts of disasters provides vital insights for shaping future protective measures.

Cities like Mira Bhayandar near Mumbai face soaring temperatures from the Urban Heat Island effect, where the dense concentration of buildings, vehicles and people traps heat and heightens health risks. Habitat planning addresses this challenge with innovative strategies, such as cool roofs and increased tree cover, aiming to reduce deadly heat and improve the quality of life for urban dwellers.

Participatory planning brings together residents and municipal leaders to co-create initiatives. This collaborative approach empowers communities, instilling pride and leading to lasting improvements. It also ensures that all voices, including those of marginalised groups, help shape their city's future.

Under the Khorog Urban Resilience Programme, 21 neighbourhoods were each allocated a grant to improve their area. Women gathered their communities to select projects that would significantly enhance quality of life: improving ambulance access, creating safer playgrounds and making sloped areas safer for elderly residents to reach their homes, especially during icy winter months. Other joint planning sessions with municipal authorities have resulted in improved street lighting and more pedestrian-friendly living throughout the city.

The "My Vision" competitions in Khorog and Naryn invited residents and diaspora members to contribute ideas for future development. Supported by the governments of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, along with AKDN and the Swiss government, this initiative highlights the value of grassroots input in shaping city planning. Winning projects, judged by local leaders and the Swiss Ambassador, were awarded prizes, and all entries have the opportunity to influence future city plans

Secondary cities – or regional urban hubs – house a larger share of the global urban population than megacities like Cairo, Karachi or Mumbai. But despite being the fastest-growing urban areas in lower- and middle-income countries, these cities are often overshadowed by the size and influence of megacities, and struggle to secure funding for vital infrastructure upgrades.

AKDN’s habitat planning empowers local governments to create investment-ready projects that attract donors. In Naryn and Khorog, aging Soviet-era water and sanitation systems need modernisation to tackle urbanisation and climate risks. Collaborating with UN Habitat, AKDN has developed capital investment plans that enable these cities to prioritise their funding needs and create pitches for investors. Over the last two years, this has unlocked over $5 million for critical infrastructure such as solar-powered water systems, enhancing these cities' resilience and infrastructure budgets.

Habitat planning relies on cutting-edge technology to protect lives and livelihoods. Collaborating with governments and key partners like ESRI, AKDN leverages tools like satellite imagery, drones and weather monitoring systems to conduct Hazard Vulnerability Risk Assessments. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) help synthesise vast datasets, enabling cities to craft disaster preparedness and long-term development strategies. By combining tech-driven insights with indigenous knowledge, cities can better anticipate risks and protect their communities more effectively.

This November, AKDN is participating in the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Cairo, Egypt. WUF aims to address the global challenge of rapid urbanisation and its impact on communities, cities, economies and climate change. Learn more about AKDN's Habitat Planning Programme