In 1991, the Republic of Brazil asked the World Bank’s assistance in the decentralization program of its urban rail systems run by the Companhia Brasileira de Trens Urbanos (Brazilian Urban Trains
Company-CBTU). The systems were to be transferred (decentralized) from the Federal Government to the local (State and Municipal) authorities. The local authorities agreed to receive the systems as long as they were
rehabilitated and modernized but also requested that the Bank acted as “honest bro more...

The Urban Design Compendium was published by English Partnerships in partnership with The Housing Corporation and examines the factors that make neighbourhoods stimulating and active places in which residents feel comfortable and safe. It aims to provide accessible advice to developers, funding agencies and partners on the achievement and assessment of the quality of urban design for the development and regeneration of urban areas. It is written to provide a source of best practice to all those more...

One more Chinese property was inscribed on the UNESCO's World Heritage List Sunday during the 32nd session of the World Heritage Committee that is taking place in this eastern Canadian city.
The 21 members of the committee agreed to add Tulou, the uniqueresidential architecture of Fujian Province in southeastern China, on the World Heritage List as a cultural site, bringing the total number of Chinese properties on the list to 36.
Built from the 11th century to the 20th century in the mounta more...

The ever-expanding World Carfree Network Resource Centre aims to facilitate the exchange of information and resources between local groups across Europe and beyond. Our resources are supplied by mail order. You can browse our catalog for our selection of books, stickers, videos and miscellaneous extras.

We actively promote the free use of our resources for local, activist purposes and promote an anti-copyright policy, except when this may interfere with the policies of individual authors and more...

Steps that cities can take to reduce energy consumption and to use cleaner energy are outlined in this website. They include: Creating building codes and standards that include practical, affordable changes that make buildings cleaner and more energy efficient; Conducting energy audits and implementing retrofit programs to improve energy efficiency in municipal and private buildings; Installing more energy efficient traffic and street lighting; Implementing localised, cleaner electricity generat more...

The subject matter of this essay is the study of urban low-income housing related to the quality of life of poor families in Latin American cities and the social relationships that are established within them. In focusing on evaluating quality in the use of housing this paper is supported by a sociological perspective, experience in shanty towns and studies on low-income housing and sociology of the family. The consideration of new elements of analysis to formulate policies directed to improvi more...

The Global Compact Environmental Principles Training Package (2005 ; English, Chinese), launched at the Global Compact China Summit, 30 November 2005.

UNEP supports training and learning under the Global Compact through its support in the development of company case studies, facilitation of learning discussions, monitoring of company reporting and preparation of training materials to help companies with implementation. During the 2002 Learning Forum in Berlin and the 2003 Learning Forum in Be more...

One Planet, Many People: Atlas of Our Changing Environment provides a comprehensive, visual presentation of scientifically variable information, on changes in the global environment—both the good and the bad—acquired and assessed through state-of-the-art remote sensing technology.

One Planet, Many People is intended for environmental policy makers, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, academics, teachers and citizens. This colorful and approachable atlas contains photograp more...

Environmental Education, Ethics and Action: A Workbook to Get Started
This book objectively challenges the link between ethics and our everyday activities. It takes ethics out of philosophy departments and puts it squarely onto the streets, into the villages, towns and cities, and connects ethics to all life on Earth. The book's primary audience is teacher trainers, college instructors, university professors and others responsible for professional development in education. It is also aimed at e more...

Effective environmental education should be planned and developed through interactive materials for learners and educators. The capacity and lack of relevant and appropriate resource materials continues to be a major setback in the implementation of environmental education programme. UNEP has a vast depository of knowledge products emanating from its work in environmental assessment, policy development and implementation, support to environmental conventions, and technology industry and economic more...