There are many ways to preserve heritage neighborhoods or ecological spaces in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) cities. Nevertheless, when the owners of the buildings or plots can get an additional benefit for it, it means that the conservation tool we are using is the transfer of development rights (TDR).In today's article we invite you to learn how TDR works and why it is a … [Read more...] about What are the benefits of Transfer of Development Rights?
Urban food security: the role of cities in food supply
Have you ever wondered what cities can do to facilitate food security for their inhabitants? Cities are susceptible to disruptions in transportation, distribution and supply chains, which can quickly lead to food shortages. By proactively addressing food security, from planning to investments to health policies, cities can anticipate distribution flows, develop contingency … [Read more...] about Urban food security: the role of cities in food supply
Bamboo: the plant-based steel for the 21st century constructions
It is lighter than steel, but five times stronger than concrete. Bamboo could be considered a gift from nature for construction because of its low cost, sustainability, abundance and strenght. Its use in the construction sector in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has gained increasing popularity in recent years due to its numerous environmental, economic and social … [Read more...] about Bamboo: the plant-based steel for the 21st century constructions
Healthy Cities: your zip code influences your health more than your genetic code
A person's zip code affects their life expectancy more than their own genetic code. We often relate chronic diseases to habits such as diet, lack of physical exercise, smoking or heredity. However, the factor that most influences health is the environment in which we live and circumstances such as poverty, lack of decent housing, overcrowding, environmental safety or exclusion … [Read more...] about Healthy Cities: your zip code influences your health more than your genetic code
World Hunger Day: How and why should we integrate urban agriculture into city planning?
Four out of ten Latin Americans and Caribbeans live in food insecurity, that is, they lack regular access to food. The pandemic, and the war in Ukraine, have sharply pushed back already poor malnutrition rates. Transforming agrifood systems will be the main strategy for ensuring food security in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). However, the planning of our cities can play … [Read more...] about World Hunger Day: How and why should we integrate urban agriculture into city planning?