Government of Yucatan committed to support densification in the City to address urban sprawl
6 September 2016, Merida, Mexico – CIFAL Merida, the Municipality of Yucatan, the University of Yucatan jointly with the Secretariat of Habitat III hosted the “Urban Morning” aimed at providing a venue for discussion on policies that support sustainable urban growth.
As part of the preparatory process towards the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III), UNITAR and CIFAL Merida were pleased to collaborate with the Habitat III Secretariat to host the Urban Morning that took place in Merida, Yucatan on 6 September.
During the event, challenges facing sustainable urban development were discussed, as well as key priorities to take into account in the New Urban Agenda. As urbanization often follows different paths and trajectories that are dependent on national and regional contexts, the event focused on introducing and discussing diverse urban perspectives, with the participation of key speakers representing the Municipality of Yucatan, the Chamber of Industry of Mexico, and the University of Yucatan. Mr. Hector Navarrete, Director of CIFAL Merida and UNITAR Fellow welcomed the 145 representatives from the public and private sector, academia and civil society attending the event.
During the presentations, it was highlighted by Mr. Aref Karam Espósitos, Director of Urban Planning of the Government of Yucatan how the city is committed to support densification efforts in the city to address urban sprawl and promote sustainable urban growth in Merida.
Mr. Luis Eduardo Castillo Campos, President of the Mexican Chamber of Industry and Construction noted how the private sector is working closely with the Municipality to support densification. The Municipality is providing incentives to private companies willing lo locate their facilities in areas with less density.
Mr. Roi Chiti, Regional and Interagency Coordinator of the Habitat III Secretariat stressed the need to work on Merida’s compactness to continue to advance the city’s sustainable development.
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