Start Date : 13 Aug 07   End Date : 24 Aug 07 Location: Helsinki University of Technology, Finland

The Sustainable Communities Course gives practical examples and methods how to use city planning as a tool for sustainable development. Rapid and uncontrolled urbanization is one of the biggest development problems in the world. Sustainable urban planning can reduce the impacts on climate change by reducing the negative impact of transport, energy production and consumption as well as reduce major environmental issues facing cities such as natural disasters, floods, drought and air quality.

What to learn?

The course aims to bridge the knowledge gap between academia, local and central government in the field of sustainable urban planning. Course is structured to enhance communication, professional networking nationally and internationally and exchange of information between the participants and lecturers. The course is a combination of interactive learning techniques; keynote lectures, case study presentations, dialogue opportunities, field visits and group works, providing improved understanding and capabilities on sustainable urban planning – know-why, know-what and know-how.

Individuals with at least 5 years professional experience, with preferably a couple of years of experience in urban planning. Participants will preferably have a Masters or a Doctoral Degree. Participants coming from academia, local and sub-national/central government and civil society. Invited countries are: Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Thailand, Cambodia, China (Yunnan province), Croatia, Romania, Spain and Finland. In addition there is free quota for six participants, from other countries. The course language is English.

• Learn how to use tools, working methods and planning measures for developing sustainable community.
• Improve understanding of the important input of civil society and participatory approaches.
• Improve understanding of the importance of co-operating with researchers.

National authorities will:

• Improve understanding of local level issues and working methods and develop fruitful contacts nationally and internationally.

• Improve understanding on how to contribute to local governance in providing professional analysis of current urban problems.
• Have capabilities to present research outcomes in a user-friendly and pragmatic way.