1. THEME

Population and Environmental Management in Urban Planning - Domestic Waste and Greening

2. BACKGROUND

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) State of World Population 2007 report, 2008 will mark the first time that more than half of the world's population live in urban areas. Cities embody the environmental damage done by modern civilization, yet they also contain the solutions.

The 1994 International  Conference in Population and Development's Programme of Action (POA) states its objective in chapter 3.28 to "ensure that population, environmental and poverty eradication factors are integrated in sustainable policies, plans and programmes". Chapter 2, principle 6 states that sustainable development "requires that the interrelationships between populaiton , resources, the environment and development should be fully recognized, properely managed and brought into harmonious, dynamic balance."

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), adopted at the UN Millenium Summit in 2000, also define "Environmental Sustainability" as one of the eight goals, incorporating the following  three targets: 1) Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs and reverse the loss of environmental resources; 2) Halve by 2015 the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water; and 3) By 2020 to have achieved a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers.

UNFPA, one of AUICK's sponsors, raises awareness of the interrelationships between global population growth, demographic dynamics, the environment and sustainable development. For sustainable socio-economic development, it is globally recognized that the harmony pf economic development and environmental protection is most important. As this is a global concern, and each nations is composed of local environments, environmental protection must be achieved locally if it is to be achieved globally.

Today, medium-sized cities in Asia are experiencing rapid populaiton growth and socio-economic changes. While the concentration of population in urban areas encourages economic activities and improves living conditions, effective measures must be put in place for environmental protection, especially at the local level.

3. AIMS

UNFPA supports key population, environment and sutainable development activities at global, regional and national levels. From this standpoint, the first AUICK workshop of 2008 will focus on improved knowledge to address the urban policy implications of the links between population processes and environmental problems, esprcially domestic waste and greening. The workshop is designed for senior officials of AUICK Associate Cities (AACs) who are in the highest or second highest position of the department which administers city planning or environmental protection.

The workshop aims to deepen its participants' understanding and know-how on the theme through presentations, case studies, discussions on current states and challenges their cities face in the fileds of domestic waste and greening. The particioants will also develop a concrete action plan or environmental management to be implemented upon their return to their cities.

The workshop is designed to stimulate the exchange of information and experience among the participants themselves. Therefore, they are expected to participate actively  (in English) in discussions and presentations during the workshop period.

4. INVITED CITIES

AUICK Associate Cities (one person from each city):
Chittagong (Bangladesh), Weihai (China), Chennai (India), Surabaya (Indonesia), Kuantan (Malaysia), Faisalabad (Pakistan), Olongapo (Philippines), Khon Kaen (Thailand), Danang (Vietnam)

5. LANGUAGE

English (Interpretation will be provided for lectures given in Japanese.)

6. PERIOD

Wednesday 28 May – Saturday 7 June 2008 (11 days)

7. SCHEDULE/PROGRAM

See APPENDIX A

8. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

8.1. Qualification of Applicant

1. The applicant should be officially nominated by the mayor or the senior-most administrator(hereafter "nominator") of the city to which the applicant belongs.
2. The applicant should be a senior or middle-level city official who has authority to plan and implement policies and actions directed at the city planning or environmental management of domestic waste or greening, such as Director or Deputy Director of the relavant department.
3. The applicant is required to have university level education and work experience as a city official for at least 7 years.
4. The applicant is required to be willing and able to remain in the position of city official in the relevant field in the city for at least 5 years.
5. The applicant should have a sufficient command of both spoken and written English, as the workshop is conducted in English. The workshop is to a great extent based on discussions rather than lectures. The applicant is also expected to make at least two oral presentations.
   

   Note: In case of English ability  being the only problem in the nomination of a qualified official, please consult  us ahead of time.

6. The applicant should be physically and mentally fit to participate in all aspects of the workshop. Regrettably, pregnant women will not be accepted, as the workshop program contains some site visits that demand physical exertion inappropriate for pregnant women.
7. Word processing skill is a requisite, since the applicant is expected to develop an action plan with a computer during the workshop. The applicant is also expected to prepare his/her action plan using PowerPoint.

8.2. Participant Nomination

The Nominator is requested to nominate a qualified city official and submit the following necessary documents to AUCIK by: 4 April 2008. It is suggested that the nomination be done in consultation with the relevant UNFPA country representative.

8.3. Notification of Acceptance

After careful consideration by AUICK with the consultation of the relevant UNFPA Country Office and AUICK International Advisory Committee member, the final decision on the participant selection will be notified to the nominator.

8.4. Procedures for Entry to Japan

In parallel with the notification of acceptance to the nominator, AUICK will send the necessary documents for visa application directly to the nominee. The nominee is requested to immediately apply for an entry visa at the nearest Japanese Consular Office.

9. INVITATIONAL CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPANT

AUICK will provide the participant with the followings. Other expenses must be borne by the participant.

1. Expenses for obtaining a medical certificate and a visa.

   Note: The expenses will be reimbursed in Japanese currency during the workshop on condition that the participant requests the reimbursement with the original receipts issued directly from the relevant venders. The transportation and postage expenses for obtaining visas or medical certificates will not be reimbursed. The expense for obtaining a passport will not be reimbursed.

2. Economy-class round trip airline ticket between the nearest airport to each participant's residence and Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Japan.

   Note: The ticket will be delivered to the participant through the relevant local travel agent. Airport taxes and the other fees will be paid through travel agents. If the participant is required to pay any other tax or fees at departure, the expenses will be reimbursed in Japanese currency during the workshop on condition that the participant requests the reimbursement with the original receipts issued directly from the relevant venders.

3. Travel expenses between KIX and the accommodation in Japan.
4. Accommodation in Japan.
5. Living allowance of JPY 6,200 per day for meals and incidental expenses during the workshop in Japan.
6. Short-term insurance to cover injuries or illness from the time of entry to Japan until departure.

   Note: Preexisting illnesses and dental treatment are not covered by the insurance.

7. Internal transportation for the workshop programs.

10. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARTICIPANT

The participant is required to:

1. Abide by Japanese law and regulations during their stay.
2. Follow the regulations and schedule of the workshop prepared by AUICK and the Kobe City Government.
3. Attend the workshop unaccompanied.
4. Depart Japan upon the termination of the workshop.

   Note: The visa issued will not allow the participant to stay in Japan beyond the workshop period.

5. Gather the required data on their cities and submit the report before the specified date.

   Note: Submitted data and report will be integrated into AUICK's web-based database and be open to public.

11. ORGANIZERS

11.1. Asian Urban Information Center of Kobe (AUICK)
         Kobe International Center for Cooperation and Communication (KIC)

         Kobe International House 20F, 8-1-6, Goko-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe 651-0087 JAPAN
         Tel: +81-78-291-8031
         Fax: +81-78-291-0691
         E-mail: auick@auick.org
         URL: http://www.auick.org

11.2. Kobe City Government (International Affairs, Culture and Tourism Bureau)

         6-5-1, Kano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-8570 JAPAN
         Tel: +81-78-322-5010
         Fax: +81-78-322-2382