While in Manila, the CA team also helped launch the final version of the much -awaited ADB/CA joint publication, "Urbanization and Sustainability in Asia: Good Practice Approaches in Urban Region Development.” A draft version of the book had been launched during WUF III in Vancouver June last year and was reviewed as part of a medley of CA knowledge products in the recently published 2006 Annual Report. In a press release announcing the book launch, WooChong Um, ADB's Director Energy, Transport, and Water Division at ADB's Regional and Sustainable Development Department said, "Economically dynamic cities are central to the region's future growth, as over the next 25 years, Asia's urban population will grow by around 70 percent to more than 2.6 billion people." --- "Development in Asia is tied to the growth of sustainable cities," adding "We hope the book will encourage discussion on the development of Asian cities and help in the formulation of policies and more sustainable practices."

Edited by two university professors based in Canberra, Australia - Brian Roberts, Director of the Center for Developing Cities, and Trevor Kanaley, Adjunct Professor of Development Studies - the book takes good practice case studies from 12 Asian countries and examines their success stories in sustainable development in urban centres. Countries covered include Bangladesh, Cambodia, People's Republic of China, India, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

The chapters each contain a fact sheet on urbanization, including statistics, history, and overview of urban issues in the country profiled. The authors - a mixture of academics, city planners, practitioners and other development experts - then present three urban case studies, sharing lessons learned in environmental improvement, waste recycling, infrastructure improvements, and city planning.

A useful reference for city managers, political leaders, and professionals responsible for planning and managing the development of cities. the book can be downloaded from the following link: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/Urbanization-Sustainability/default.asp

Adapted from ADB Press Releases.