Reforms for Managing Urban Environmental Infrastructure and Services in Asia

Most Asian countries are undergoing reforms to bring improvements in local environmental governance. Decentralization, private-sector participation, and community participation are the major reforms contributing toward good governance, including in urban environmental management. Increasing demand for adequate environmental services and effective natural resource protection, because of rapid urbanization and economic growth, is pushing national and local agencies to accelerate reform. This article reviews environmental reforms and their practical applications in solid waste management, water supply and wastewater management, and air quality management in 14 Asian cities. There have been considerable improvements in the quality and coverage of urban environmental infrastructure and services in these cities. These improvements can be further optimized by improving the combination of reforms for the targeted service: building the capacity of local government institutions, community enterprises, and civil society; and modifying initiatives and programs to address diversified needs and characteristics within the same city.