This new TEEB study showcases the economic value of forests, freshwater, soils and coral reefs & calls for wider recognition of nature’s contribution to human livelihoods, health and security by the decision-makers.

This overview provides a strategic assessment of trends in the public and private use of groundwater for urban water-supply in developing cities. Is based primarily on GW-MATE field experience from World Bank-supported projects, especially in Brazil and India, and more widely in Latin America and Asia, together with preliminary information from a number of African cities.

Why is the right to food important for the rural and urban poor? How does it help women and children? What are the obligations of States in relation to the right to food? These and other questions are answered in the Fact Sheet on

High economic growth coupled with rapid urbanization and a rising middle class have created considerable demand for housing and housing finance in South Asia. More than 14% of low-income families in the region have no home. While housing and housing finance markets have grown at a rate of 30%, it is the upper-income families that benefitted the most.

The global observance of World Habitat Day this year will be held at the Shanghai World Expo 2010. Hosted by China

This publication presents a strong argument for innovating urban planning to address the contemporary challenges of rapid urbanization and poverty.