Green, open spaces and transport for healthy and sustainable cities in asian developing countries

Abstract

Introduction: This paper presents the case studies of the green, open spaces and transport issues in three cities of the Asian region based on the work of participants from the Workshop of Health in Urban Planning. Methods: Three case studies were collected from the participants of Thailand, India, and Indonesia, and compiled under the theme. Results: The first case study presents findings from the Thailand's Survey on Physical Activity (SPA), and various strategies taken by the Thai government to improve physical activity levels among the Thai population and children, including improved accessibility, walkability; and reconstruction of school curricula. The second case study is an empirical study of the geographical extent and type of green spaces accessible to the urban population, and their usage in the city of Varanasi, India, in the wake of Yoga practice popularity. The third case study discusses the insufficient transport infrastructures, along with the influx of visitors from outside the city as the cause of severe traffic congestions and emissions in Bandung city, Indonesia. The governments' action plans and recommendations for improvements of the city environment are discussed. Conclusion: Integrating health into urban and transport planning needs co-operations from multiple stakeholders including the government, private sectors, and the communities, especially from the early phase of development.