Urban planning is a critical component in creating social equity, but how can we further engage in changing the ways our cities are built? As a recent Urban Planning graduate I still find it difficult to explain what exactly planning is… But what I am most concerned with is using planning tools to implement equitable change. I am able to tell you the processes of what would constitute as fair planning processes for a country like Canada, but what reinforcements are there for equitable planning in countries faced with poverty and political pressures?

For Zanzibar, their rapid tourism expansion beginning in the 1980s and has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry. There are 173 tourist accommodation establishments in Zanzibar and this number is growing with new developments coming up (http://www.zanzibartourism.net/). The tourism industry relies greatly on the natural features Zanzibar has to offer, with their mission statement being “To be the most exotic, diverse island destination in the Indian Ocean Region Exotic as it is wrapped in a mysterious Arab/African ambience and flavored with palm fringed, tropical beaches” (http://www.zanzibartourism.net/). However, this aim in becoming a top tourism destination is conflicted with the degradation of their natural resources through rapid tourism development of hotels and paradise spots for tourists to visit. The rapid expansion of Zanzibar in the 90s and today has led to environmental degradation, social change and disruption. Pressures to develop on delicate coastal areas have increased through tourist related infrastructure and population growth of 3 percent (Jiddawi & Lange).

Zanzibar relies on their tourism sector for attracting new investments and businesses, such as world-class hotels and restaurants. The tourism sector accounts for about 47 percent of their GDP; “Overall Zanzibaris obtain 47 percent of tourism GDP, but only 20 percent accrues to local communities; most goes to government in the form of fees and taxes (15%), and to Zanzibaris from outside the local communities (12%).” (Jiddawi & Lange). In realizing the importance of this industry to the sustainability of Zanzibar’s economy, how do we enforce the need for environmental and social sustainable practices?

How can youth enforce governments to bring the focus back to essential issues and services? I believe this question can’t be summed up in a single word or action.
One of the tools TakingITGlobal provides youth with is training in capacity building. The Global Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GYAN) in part with TIG has an approach to education and understanding that can be transferrable to youth understanding how to influence urban policy. Political Advocacy courses are offered through GYAN, as well as e-courses on that provide knowledge, skills, resources and opportunities. The realm of urban planning can be vague for people unfamiliar with what it entails, but realizing the effects of poorly planned communities are impactful to everyone. We need to break down the complicated language surrounding the policies and decisions that are passed that exclude and segregate. Youth need to engage in lobbying for social advocacy and fair practices in developing in their communities, whether it is in North America or Africa. I realize the comparison of learning about HIV/AIDS and ways to form fair cities are quite different in spectrum, but education is the first step to making a difference regardless of the issue.

How can youth increase the inclusiveness of essential services such as transportation, housing and jobs in our cities?

Check out Jiddawi and Lange’s journal - Economic value of marine ecosystem services in Zanzibar: Implications for marine conservation and sustainable development. (2009). Ocean and Coastal Management.