SUSTAINABLE CITY PLANNING: EMPHASIS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS

Abstract

The need to identify and manage environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) is of fundamental importance for seeking balanced development within and around such areas based on the concept of sustainable development. The identification of ESAs enhances the understanding of the various trade-offs between land development, environmental protection and societal well-being, and this facilitates effective planning for future development. The concept of ESAs, which evolved from a sectoral approach at the international and national levels, was modified to be more integrated for its implementation at the city and state levels, even at national levels. The Selangor State Policy on ESA was officially launched on 5 June 1999. The Policy takes into account the importance of an area from the perspective of the implementing government agencies and the perspective of its major function in terms of providing life support systems, heritage value as well as risks associated with hazards. Integrated ESAs defines an area containing various ecosystems that play an important role in ensuring the well being of the environment as well as society which could be threatened by development. Three groups of ESAs are identified. These are ESA of Heritage Value, ESA associated with Hazards and ESA that is important for Life Support Systems. ESA of Heritage Value is defined as an area that has historical, cultural or scientific value. ESA associated with Hazards is defined as areas that are associated with high risks of natural or man-made hazards. ESA for Life Support Systems takes into account the present and future needs of society to ensure adequate quality of life based on resources available in the State. Integrated ESAs are useful to ensure land use that supports the aspirations of sustainable development and has the potential to enhance stakeholder participation, particularly when used in conjunction with existing land use planning mechanisms.