World Habitat Awards 2008: Innovation, Sustainability, Transfer

The World Habitat Awards are accepting applications for Stage I of the application process, deadline June 1st. Find out more below:

The World Habitat Awards were established in 1985 by the Building and Social Housing Foundation as part of its contribution to the United Nations International Year of Shelter for the Homeless. Two awards are given annually to projects from the global North as well as the South that provide practical and innovative solutions to current housing needs and problems. Every year an award of £10,000 is presented to each of the two winners at the annual United Nations global celebration of World Habitat Day. 

What does the entry process entail? Go here for details.  Just in case you’re wondering, in the past few years, the following proposals from India have either won or entered the finals of the competition: 

Click “read more” for the rest of this post.

Appropriate Housing Technologies in Orissa, 2007: Initiated in the wake of the 1999 super-cyclone, this project provides technical support and expertise in the use of alternative, cost-effective, disaster-resistant building technologies.read more > 

Shelter Development Programme for Palmyrah Workers, 2006: Initiated by the Palmyrah Workers’ Development Society (PWDS), this project works to enable families to build their own secure, fire-resistant homes whilst improving their livelihoods.read more > 

Innovative Rural Housing and Habitat Development in Kuthambakkam Village, 2005: The Trust for Village Self Governance uses an integrated rural habitat and economic development approach to improve living conditions in rural Indian villages.read more > 

Gandhi Nu Gam, 2004: The post-earthquake redevelopment of the Ghandi Nu Gam village was carried out through a holistic, participatory approach that maintained the socio-cultural traditions and building systems of the local area as well as improving economic conditions and opportunities. read more >  

To read more about past finalists/winners from India, go here. Source: ProPoor.org