The word biodiversity appeared first in the 1980s to designate the variety of life on earth. Biodiversity is used in reference to the species (plants and animals) in one region. The community of living things in a specific area is called an ecosystem. Urban ecosystems vary from city to city. Green spaces in cities can host pre-existing species, new ones, and shelter migratory … [Read more...] about Urban Biodiversity: How the City of Tomorrow Can Help Rethink Both Natural and Constructed Environments
Ophélie Chevalier
Ophélie Chevalier es Especialista Líder en Desarrollo Urbano y Vivienda del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo. Cuenta con más de 20 años de experiencia en desarrollo internacional, la que incluye gestión de proyectos (identificación, diseño, negociación, ejecución y evaluación), elaboración de estrategias sectoriales, dialogo de política con las autoridades, y liderazgo de estudios técnicos. En el BID, Ophélie se ha especializado en particular en temas de fortalecimiento institucional, desarrollo local, subsidios a la vivienda, y programas de mejoramiento de barrios. Su trabajo actual también incluye actuar como punto focal de la división urbana para los temas de cambios climáticos y riesgos. Ophélie es abogada de formación, y cuenta con maestrías de la Universidad de París y de la Universidad de Columbia en Nueva York.
Low-Income Housing is Hot
by Ophélie Chevalier The Pritzker Prize is architecture’s most prestigious award. The 2014 winner was Shigeru Ban. In announcing this year’s laureate, Tom Pritzker said, “Shigeru Ban's commitment to humanitarian causes through his disaster relief work is an example for all. Innovation is not limited by building type, and compassion is not limited by budget. Shigeru has … [Read more...] about Low-Income Housing is Hot
Urban Agriculture or Urban Ingenuity in Action
Up to 70 percent of urban households in developing countries participate in agricultural activities. More than half of all urban households in the poorest expenditure quintile rely in part on agricultural activities to satisfy their food needs (FAO, 2010). And it can save the day. During World War II, as part of the war effort, residents in every city and town in the … [Read more...] about Urban Agriculture or Urban Ingenuity in Action
Back from the World Urban Forum: Common Ground and Urban Future
Torre David, Caracas Joan Clos, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, stated in the opening of the World Urban Forum (WUF) that “the antidote to slums is planned urbanization.” This is a challenge, as figures and history tend to show. Regardless of planning, slums keep growing as people find creative ways to secure shelters and income-generating activities. To further discuss … [Read more...] about Back from the World Urban Forum: Common Ground and Urban Future