The 7th International Conference on Urban and Regional Planning (CURP 2024) is scheduled to be held in Karachi, Pakistan on 8th‐9th March, 2024 focusing on the theme of Urban Ecology, Sustainable Planning and Inclusivity: Issues and Challenges. This Call for Papers invites urban planners, architects, government officials, academics and all allied professionals to share their relevant knowledge and researches in‐line with the theme for the benefit of public, professionals and students in related fields.
CONFERENCE THEME
Cities and towns are expanding with exponential population growth for many economic, social, political and strategic reasons. Currently half of the population of planet lives in cities, which will increase to 60% or almost two third in 2030. The rapid urbanization and converting the green acres into concrete blocks are believed to bring economic growth, job opportunities and so on, likewise negatively impacting the natural environment and affecting physical and mental health too. The challenges of expanding pollution and climate change in an urban environment are also vital. Consequently, making many crucial components of a livable city ignored. The impacts of urbanisation, development and climate change on urban ecology and landscape are challenging and long term.
The domain of urban ecology broaches the equilibrium in natural and manmade intervention, it has now been considered as a multidisciplinary research field. It is primarily human – nature interface. Since, Urban Ecology has been largely overlooked in postindustrial cities, subsequently the agency of urban planners, geographers and architects in the developing countries are widely questioned. The objective of planning and design in the context of urban ecology needs deliberate effort, practice and implementation of guidelines and policies to inculcate awareness for its importance in sustainable city and communities. The integration of all the natural features, respecting presence of other species of nature in the planning process is extremely pivotal. The planning and design adjustments for larger objectives of urban ecology are also align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These design parameters and measures are vital for sustainable growth of any city or region. Cities often appear acting as a container; it must have biodiversity for the physical and mental wellbeing of its stakeholders, the citizens. This refers to the scientific field of urban ecology, as a paradigm, which ultimately redefines the scope of nature in urban setting. It also possesses many challenges and opportunities. Through the lens of urban ecology, the principles of planning and design are modified and updated for the better and more livable natural and manmade built spaces. It revolves around public policy, its implementation, the energy efficient built form, social inclusivity and many other domains of planning.
How the clear understanding of urban ecology will help us to think, plan, design and deliver more livable, sustainable and comprehensive cities. What are the challenges and opportunities for urban ecology, in global south. These and more questions shall be taken up in this moot.
The theme of the conference ‘Urban Ecology, Sustainable Planning and Inclusivity: Issues and Challenges” draws attention to deliberate on the issues of urban governance, healthy and livable cities, the usage of technology in improving the quality of urban ecology, generally across the globe, and particularly in Pakistan. Following are the sub themes for the Conference:
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- Cities and Urbanise Landscape
- Digital Application in Urban Ecology and Planning
- Inclusive and Socially Equitable Communities
- Administrative reforms for Open and Green Spaces
- Urban governance, capacity and institutional development
- Civil society’s organizations and awareness for Urban Ecology
- Microfinancing for parks and landscape preservation and development
- Design efficiencies and technological advancements in Urban Ecology
CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
The objectives of CURP 2024 are as follows:
- To provide scholars from different countries an opportunity to come together for an exchange of views, ideas, and information regarding what is being done in their respective countries towards the extension, improvement, and refinement of historical knowledge related to the national and regional needs particularly with reference to the conference theme: “Urban Ecology, Planning Challenges, Issues and Inclusivity”.
- To find ways and means for collaboration and networking among academics and international scholars for fruitful information sharing.
- To provide a platform for sharing recent researches with a particular focus on global south.
PARTICIPANTS
The conference is open to all academia, educators, civil society, media professionals, industry practitioners and research scholars/ students extending their contributions corresponding to the main scope and theme of the conference.
A wide attendance from national and international participants is expected at the conference, including paper presenters, panelists, university students and experts from the field. We invite you all to join hands with us and be a substantial part of the conference.
IMPORTANT DATES
Abstract submission dates: 6th January, 2024
Date of notification to the author: 12 January, 2024
Full paper deadline: 16th February, 2024
Reviewer comments and revised papers: 8th March, 2024
Conference Dates: 26th‐27th April, 2024
FUNDING
All national and international paper presenters will be provided accommodation and local hospitality during their stay in Karachi for the conference. Financial support for travel of paper presenters is subject to the approval of funding proposal/s submitted to various organizations.
REQUIREMENTS
Scholars, practitioners and academics are invited to contribute research papers focusing on the theme.
- The length of paper must not exceed 6000 words. Text should be typed and printed on A‐4 sheets; submitted along with a soft copy.
- Papers selected by the Scientific Committee for presentation will be considered for publication in Journal of Research in Architecture and Planning 2024‐25 volume/s therefore revised papers will be submitted online to JRAP with link https://jrap.neduet.edu.pk/online_submission.html and will follow second phase of peer review after the conference. Contributors are requested to send their drafts complete in all respects, on or before the due date.
- Abstract should not exceed 300 words and submitted by given deadline.
ADVISORY BOARD:
- Prof. Dr. Noman Ahmed, Dean AMS
- Prof. Dr. Anila Naeem, Chairperson
- Associate Prof. Fariha A. Ubaid
- Associate Prof. Dr. Saeed Ud Din Ahmed
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE:
National
- Prof. Dr. Anila Naeem, Chairperson
- Associate Prof. Dr. Saeed Ud Din Ahmed
- Assistant Prof. Dr. Masooma Shakir
- Assistant Prof. Dr Rabela Junejo
- Assistant Prof. Dr. Adam Abdullah
International
- Dr. Peter Meckie, Professor for Innovation, Civic Mission and International, University of Cardiff, UK
- Dr. Sylvie Fanchette, Geographer, Director of Research at IRD – French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, France
- Nyoman Gede Maha Putra, lecturer‐researcher at Warmadewa University Bali‐Indonesia