The Sustainability of Extended Urban Spaces in Asia in the Twenty-First Century: Policy and Research Challenges

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the main challenges that the processes of demographic, spatial, and social political change present to current urbanization trends of the Asian region. The chapter argues that one of the major challenges is the present development trajectory of many Asian countries, which emphasizes economic growth, increasing integration into the global economy and making Asian countries competitive in the global economy. This process leads to the growth of large urban regions—“extended urban spaces” (EUSs)—that present many challenges to the urban future. In particular, the chapter argues that the most fragile areas of the EUSs are the rural urban margins where urban activities are expanding into densely populated agricultural regions, which the author calls “desakota.” It is argued that in these areas, local policies should be developed that adapt to local ecosystems. The chapter presents a research agenda for policy interventions in these areas and their implications for urban policy.