Assessing the potential of urban heritage conservation in the development of green cities in Asia

Abstract:

(i) Background and Purpose:

Conservation of cultural and natural heritage has acquired increasing importance for rapidly urbanising cities seeking to foster more sustainable forms of urban development. This project seeks to determine whether and how the integration and conservation of cultural and natural heritage in cities can encourage more genuine green transitions, as opposed to the capital-intensive ‘green- infrastructure’ focused projects that are commonly pursued in cities around the world. This project therefore seeks to address the under-studied role of natural and cultural heritage conservation in developing more socially and ecologically sustainable cities. It also aims to identify where some common ground can be found between the aspirations of various stakeholders, including civil society leaders, governments and policy makers.

(ii) Research Questions

1. How can the integration and conservation of cultural and natural heritage in cities can encourage more genuine sustainable development transitions in urban settings?
2. How can a well-conserved natural and historic environment help to strengthen the resilience of urban communities, particularly in the face of climate change, emerging infectious diseases, and other environmental challenges.
3. What common ground can be found between the aspirations of various stakeholders, including civil society leaders, governments and policy makers regarding the conservation of natural and cultural heritage in cities? What sorts of innovative and collaborative governance strategies have been formed with regards to heritage conservation initiatives.
4. What are some ways that urban planners and developers have sought to incorporate cultural and natural heritage conservation into new or existing initiatives. Have these been successful in fostering more genuine green transitions in cities?

Skills and experience required for the project:

Familiarity with qualitative research methods; social or environmental science background; Cantonese/Chinese language skills desirable