Background and Objectives:
Bayamo is one of the fastest growing cities in Cuba and is experiencing deteriorating social and environmental conditions. Thus, it was selected among 8 cities in Cuba to implement model processes of urban environmental planning and management in collaboration with UN-HABITAT

The objectives of the programme are to strengthen the capacity of the local authorities in Bayamo for urban environmental planning and management and to promote consultative processes for effective citizen participation in urban planning and management.

Activities:
The main activities include:

• Implementing training and capacity building activities for local partners on LA21 planning methodologies and tools.
• Organizing city consultations for participatory decision making on the city development plan.
• Establishing working groups for the formulation of LA21 Action Plans in the areas of:  cleanup of Bayamo River; solid waste management; urban mobility; and public space.
• Formulating and implementing demonstration projects on themes developed by the working groups.
• Formulating specific strategies and action plans on the selected issues.
• Formulating proposals for the funding of follow up projects

Results:

• Urban environmental assessment of Bayamo formulated, including information for the definition of priority areas of action.
• Working groups for the formulation of action plans on selected themes established.
• Action Plans formulated on: the clean up of Bayamo River; solid waste management; urban mobility; and public space.
• Nine LA21 demonstration projects implemented.
• City consultations for participatory planning conducted and urban pact signed.
• Information to stakeholders disseminated through local and international media.