Aktuelle stadt- und landschaftsokologische Probleme in Havanna und Losungsansatze durch staatliche Raumordnung, Umweltpolitik bzw. kommunale Partizipation

Published: Dec. 19, 2005, 11 a.m.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and since the start of the economic crisis in Cuba (Periodo Especial), an increase in the variety of ecological problems has been registered concentrating primarily nowadays on the Cuban capital Havana. In conjunction with the aforementioned political and economical situation, Havana became the most important migration centre in Cuba since the beginning of the 90\xb4s. This particular thesis will focus on the analysis of current urban-ecological and landscape-ecological problems in Havana (urban development, water supply and sewage disposal, waste disposal and waste sites, green spaces, agriculture). Solutions proposed by the relevant participants from the sectors planning, environmental politics and local municipality (IPF, DPFF, CITMA, GDIC, TTIB) will be complemented in each case with feasible realistic oriented recommendations made by the author. The primary focus of this thesis addresses the relationship between physical-geographical and social-geographical interacting complexes in the examination area whereby the author has chosen an integrative interdisciplinary approach. Several years of field work research in Havana has served as basis for this research. Within the scope of characterising the physical geographical environment (climate, geology, geomorphology, soil, hydrology, vegetation), the fundamentals associated with ecological degradation were first identified. Havana\u2019s historical urban development and the decisive phases in its historical development (colonialism, republican phase, socialism) were genetically analysed in order to understand the historical background and association with existing problems. In order to understand the approach i.e. possibilities of interventional activities and dealings of Cuban planning authorities in Havana, the author presents new structures respective stakeholders of reorganised urban development, environmental policy and municipal participation. In addressing the issue of urban renewal and problem analysis (infrastructure, foundation of buildings etc.) constructional deficits will be identified focussing on colonial, republican and socialist districts in Havana. A main focus of attention in this thesis is the analysis of Cuban standards (Accesoria, Barrio Insalubre, Bohio, Ciudadela, Cuarteria, Pasaje, Solar) in which an exemplary situation of urban squatters will be depicted (Barrios Insalubres). The negative consequences evolving from the Periodo Especial will be addressed, similarly opportunities resulting from economical transformation (real estate investment, renovation model Habana Vieja etc.). In connection with this, the author assesses the difficulties facing the drinking water supply and waste water disposal in Havana (problems relating to infrastructural supply, water supply, effects on private households, on state owned public waters, on the Gulf of Mexico, surface water and ground water contamination, flooding etc). In respect of waste disposal i.e. waste deposition the main difficulties arise with the safekeeping, treatment and disposal of household waste. These problems pose major health and hygiene risks for the concerned population. With respect to Havana\u2019s \u201cgreen spaces\u201d problem, characteristically features respective in residential areas, industrial areas and areas at degraded river banks and state initiated (forestation) programmes will be presented. Similarly, the author will propose recommendations aimed at substantial development respective \u201cgreen spaces planning\u201d (improvement of micro climatic aspects, increase in standard of living, occupational political effects etc.). The conclusion of the problem analysis focuses on the ecological difficulties of the agricultural sector in Havana (sugarcane, pastoral grazing i.e. urban agricultural programmes). Based on representative examples of the most important organisational structures (UBPC, CCS, CPA, Organoponicos, private farmers) these problems will be highlighted (site selection, drainage of contaminated water, soil quality, soil erosion). Programmes of action proposed by the author proposing periphery urban agriculture in Havana mark the conclusion of this chapter wrapping up the complex themes relevant to agriculture (institutions, ecology, economy, social aspects). The conclusion of the thesis focuses on the renaturation of an illegal waste site situated in the west of the Havana city province in which the author and his fellow Cuban colleagues not only developed a renaturation concept for this project but were also involved in all measures associated with it. The ecological problems identified on site mainly concern the inhabitants of the surrounding Barrios Insalubres, whereby the extension of the inner urban protected areas has contributed to an improved social, cultural and economical situation for the population. The author\u2019s intense and close cooperation with relevant Cuban stakeholders from the fields of science, politics, administration, the service sector, planning authorities and local population proved indispensable for the success of the applied oriented approach taken here.