Community Participation in the Ger Area Redevelopment Process
Summary
Mobilization of community members and business owners to create a funding mechanism that supports sub-centers in the ger areas and provision of essential basic services.
Target Community
Informal settlement dwellers, low income earners
Equity Challenge
Ger settlements (traditional, round Mongolian tent dwellings) account for more than 60% of the city's population, but they have never been adequately integrated into municipal planning, despite accounting for a 30% increase in Ulaanbaatar's built- up area since 2007. Basic services are scarce in ger areas and most residents heat their homes with wood or coal- burning stoves, resulting in environmental degradation, including pollution of air, water, and other natural resources. Basic services like paved roads, public lighting, and water and sanitation infrastructure were non-existent.
Approach
The Urban Development Resource Center (UDRC) started supporting the setting up of community savings and credit groups in informal ger areas around the country, providing a financial resource that belongs to people themselves and can pull them to work together to improve their living environments. The Municipality co- funds the investment project and is attempting for the first time to integrate community engagement in urban redevelopment. Community ger members set up community development councils (CDCs) to represent community groups, lead civil society participation, and cooperate with other stakeholders.
Scale
Dambadarjaa ger area, Ulaanbaatar CityEquity building blocks
Overview
