Technical assistance to municipalities in earthquake-affected provinces for strengthening their urban service infrastructure efforts in line with ‘Build Back Better’ principles
Background
The seismic events of February 2023 severely impacted southeastern Türkiye, with Adıyaman and Hatay provinces experiencing significant devastation. The destruction underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to rebuilding urban infrastructure, ensuring resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability for the affected communities. The challenge extended beyond mere reconstruction; it necessitated rebuilding to fortify the region against future adversities.
Our Approach
In response to this challenge, the Resilient Cities and Communities (RCC) Project was initiated by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, guided by the principles of ‘Build Back Better’. The Project adopts a multi-faceted approach, integrating digitalisation and evidence-driven methodologies to rebuild critical urban service infrastructure in collaboration with local municipalities, enhancing their capacity to manage better the recovery and reconstruction efforts, and potential disasters. By adopting a ‘smart city’ approach, the Project provides technical assistance to enhance the infrastructure of urban information systems promoting ‘sustainable urban mobility’ in Adıyaman and ‘sustainable urban-rural development management’ in Hatay. Key aspects of our strategy are fostering strategic collaboration among stakeholders and community engagement. The Project maximises the impact of the recovery and reconstruction efforts by emphasising collaboration and co-creation. This approach aligns with fundamental principles of good governance and right-to-the-city, enhancing effective coordination among all parties involved. Additionally, the Project recognises that access to finance is crucial for achieving the vision of resilient and sustainable cities. Therefore, the Project is committed to assisting municipalities in developing smart proposals to access crucial funds and credit lines pledged for earthquake recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Objectives
The Project enhances capacities and streamlines processes for efficient, multi-criteria decision-making by leveraging digital transformation. This approach aims to ensure that the reconstruction efforts are not only effective and cost-efficient but also resilient against potential challenges. The Project focuses on augmenting the capacity of the two municipalities through three strategic activities designed to achieve this objective.
1- Technical Capacity Building involves deploying open- source software for urban information systems tailored to identified needs. It strengthens the municipalities’ technological prowess, enhancing their overall capacity.
2- Human Capital Capacity Buildingequips technical staff and relevant stakeholders with essential skills and knowledge through targeted training initiatives, further fortifying the municipalities’ capacity.
3- Networking and Cooperation Capacity Building enhances the municipalities’ capacity by supporting active engagement in knowledge exchange activities. By fostering collaborations, sharing insights, and building partnerships, the municipalities elevate their overall capacity.
Collectively, these activities bolster municipalities’ readiness to address the challenges resulting from the earthquake, implement sustainable urban solutions, and nurture resilient communities, ensuring inclusive reconstruction with a focus on leaving no one behind. Sustainability is central to the Project’s objectives, as it aims to integrate economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable practices into reconstruction efforts, ensuring the engagement, well-being, and prosperity of the affected communities for generations to come.
Adıyaman: Building Resilience through Revitalised Sustainable Urban Mobility
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake, urban information systems have emerged as critical components in the region’s reconstruction, resilience, and sustainable development. These systems are invaluable tools for assessing damage, identifying priority areas for reconstruction, and optimising resource allocation. By leveraging comprehensive data and analysis, authorities can make informed decisions, streamline processes, and ensure efficient reconstruction efforts. Concurrently, following the comprehensive assessment conducted in Adıyaman, urban information systems and urban mobility have been identified as vital components of post-disaster recovery. The earthquake disrupted road networks and public transportation systems, hindering residents’ access to essential services and opportunities. Prioritising the restoration and enhancement of urban mobility systems is essential for promoting social inclusion, economic recovery, and long-term resilience. By investing in urban information systems and strategically prioritising sustainable urban mobility, Adıyaman can develop a more resilient, inclusive, equitable, and environmentally sustainable urban landscape, better prepared to withstand future challenges while fostering prosperity for its residents. Moreover, these efforts extend beyond immediate reconstruction. Our contribution to formulating comprehensive urban mobility project proposals addresses current infrastructure gaps and lays the foundation for long-term resilience and prosperity. The Project is dedicated to empowering Adıyaman Municipality to overcome the challenges posed by the earthquake, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for its residents.
Hatay: Building Resilience through Integrated Sustainable Urban-Rural Development Management
Hatay Metropolitan Municipality is tasked with rebuilding its infrastructure and revitalizing its community after the earthquake. Within this framework, urban information systems are essential to the region’s reconstruction initiatives, and long-term development strategies. These systems provide vital data, insights into the extent of the damage and mobility patterns, enabling informed decision-making and the efficient allocation of resources. Concurrently, following the comprehensive assessment conducted in Hatay, it has become evident that urban information systems and sustainable urban-rural development management are crucial for establishing a foundation for long-term resilience and adapting to climate change. Implementing an evidence-based integrated urban-rural development management involves rethinking land use patterns to integrate zoning laws that prioritize resilience, restrict development in high-risk areas, and promote sustainable agriculture and green infrastructure. Ensuring a liveable rural environment improves access to social services, enhances new post-disaster production patterns, and promotes decent jobs, and food safety and security, aligning with broader sustainable development objectives. By integrating urban information systems and urban-rural planning within its reconstruction efforts, Hatay has the opportunity to cultivate a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable community, thus paving the way for a promising future for all its residents in its hinterland. Our contribution to formulating a comprehensive urban-rural development management project proposal addresses current gaps and lays the foundation for long-term resilience and prosperity.
