To strengthen sustainable regional growth by leveraging ecologically-sensitive low carbon development potential

The potential for higher urbanization rate in the near future presents an immense opportunity for core urban centers in the Jajpur district and Panasa GP to benefit from the social and economic growth rendered by regional development. Given its location and natural assets, Jajpur, Vyasanagar and Panasa GP have several key resources which if harnessed and managed strategically, can offer a green growth dividend for long term economic prosperity and ecological sustainability.

Project Objective: To strengthen sustainable regional growth by leveraging ecologically-sensitive low carbon development potential

The overall project approach is to undertake spatially-informed planning by, (i) undertaking an urban sustainability assessment, (ii) developing sustainable city-district strategy informed by climate-resilient and nature-based solutions, and (iii) identifying sustainable projects for financing and implementation, (iv) capacity building and upskilling of public sector officials, and (v) placing Jajpur centre stage in global platforms for sustainable urbanization.

Strategic Opportunities: some of the key development opportunities are:

• Leaving No One Behind – apply principles of inclusivity in all development policies, plans and projects to improve lives of all residents and communities in the area;
• Green and healthy growth – explore and implement nature-based solutions to urban development, which integrates biodiversity and ecological resources in a sustainable and resilient manner
• Diversify regional economy: Harness the archaeological and cultural heritage, handicrafts and cottage industry for diversifying local and regional economy, and branding the region as an important heritage node. Opportunities to benefit from industrial tourism can also be explored.
• Symbiotic peri-urban development of Panasa GP to provide opportunities for strengthening the local food systems and supply chains, lower the carbon footprint of the area as a whole and maintain the natural resource base and ecosystem services.

To achieve the above and carve out a path of sustainable urbanization with economic prosperity, the twin cities and Panasa GP need to have a spatial strategic plan that is evidence-based and have a strong monitoring framework for performance of its development trajectory. The development sectors are interconnected with each other and therefore require an integrated and holistic approach for sustainability. Development policies, spatial plans, and strategic actions and interventions must be grounded in low-carbon and climate resilient approach combined with technological innovations to put the region on the path to transformative urbanization.

This project will notably address UN-Habitat's commitments to support the District Collectorate, Jajpur, Government of Odisha in finding sustainable solutions of promoting sustainable urban planning and management in the context of integrating urban infrastructure and service delivery in cities.

The project also aims to capacitate local government entities, ULB, and relevant stakeholders in the practices, processes of sustainable, resilient and inclusive development. The capacity building component will be designed to meet the needs of city administrators, policy makers, urban practitioners and decision makers who are concerned with resilience and sustainability of cities and regions. The training sessions will provide the participants with the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge about a series of implementation strategies and approaches but also get acquainted with the practical tools, methods and indicators to monitor and localize the SDGs and report on their progress and achievements. The program will be interactive and encourage the active participation of the participants in exchanging ideas and experiences on the topics being addressed throughout the training programme. The training will help participants to reflect on different aspects of governance, planning, implementation, financing, stakeholders’ participation, monitoring tools and assessment of public policies geared to achieve sustainable, inclusive, safe, just and resilient cities.

These workshops would be organized every quarter and the list of technical concepts/topics/skills to be covered during the sessions shall be devised after consultation with the District Collector’s Office. These may include proposal writing skills, participatory planning, SDG alignment, etc.