Blogs Written by all

Towards Climate Resilient Informal Settlements

Takeaways Author: Farraz Theda, Diane Archer

According to the Habitat III – Issue Paper in 2016, Asia is home to half of the urban population of the world, 30% of the urban population resides in slums. Although millions of urban slum dwellers in developing countries experienced significant improvements in their living conditions, there’s still much work to be done. The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) invites us to rethink the assets that informal settlements’ groups possess and how to strengthen them.


Three Ways to Manage Transboundary Action Better

Takeaways Author: Nyoman Prayoga, Denia Syam

Floods in 2017 that affected nearly 40 million people across India, Nepal and Bangladesh were strong reminder that disasters and their impacts are often not contained by any national or other jurisdictional boundaries. This results place strong emphasis on transboundary governance systems. The question is what can we do to manage transboundary action better?


Tea, haircuts and fish bones: Letting the light into Pakistan

Stories from the field Author: Zofeen Ebrahim

For nearly a decade, chronic power shortages have hobbled Pakistan's economy. According to the World Bank, there are 144 million people without electricity or who endure lengthy blackouts. Now, while the government is investing heavily in coal, private investors are exploring renewable energy.


The Dilemma of Informal Economies: Why Should Cities Take It Seriously?

Member Interview Author: Farraz Theda, Sarah Reed

Did you know that the informal economy continues to grow and accounts for more than 50% of GDP in Asian developing countries? While doing so, most of informal employees in this sector are vulnerable to various forms of exploitation as they often work without written contracts. This month, we unravel the challenges brought by informal sector with Sarah Reed.


The Long Road to Equality for the Women Fishers of Demak, Indonesia

Stories from the field Author: Nuswantoro

Since June 2017, a group of women fishers in Central Java had gone back and forth to the village administration office. They have been fighting for their right to be acknowledged as being fishers. Then they will be able to get insurance that covers any accident resulting from fishery activities, provided by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Affairs Indonesia.


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