Mapping the Way Forward Urban Cadastre Development Integral to Ukraines Reconstruction

Establishing an urban planning cadastre is crucial for effective urban land governance and sustainable land administration, providing detailed information on the infrastructure, housing, land use, boundaries, zoning and restrictions and other property details within cities or towns. Its aim is to create a reliable system for managing land-related information about the current and future land use to facilitate sustainable urban development. In Ukraine, building a strong urban planning system is essential for recovery efforts, offering vital data for decision-making in reconstruction projects and attracting necessary resources like investments. It is also critical for protecting property rights of the population affected by war while facilitating the reconstruction process. Responding to the Ukrainian Ministry for Restoration's request, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has launched a project to support the development of the Urban Planning Cadastre in Ukraine, with collaboration from UNECE's Working Party on Land Administration (WPLA) experts. As we discuss the importance of urban cadastre development for Ukraine's recovery, we'll explore strategies to advance this crucial aspect of reconstruction efforts. The event will focus on several key aspects related to the establishment and maintenance of an urban planning cadastre system in the context of the ongoing war. These include addressing the specific challenges posed by the war to the development of the cadastre, such as:
i) the time pressure for starting the redevelopment of urban infrastructure and restitution of the lost or damaged property;
ii) upgrading capacity at the local and national level for urban planning given the security risk and lack of qualified staff in the war affected areas;
iii) coordination challenge with the growing number of stakeholders including international investors and donors;
iv) security concerns and the need for efficient data management.
Furthermore, participants will explore the vital role of international organizations and partners in supporting Ukraine's efforts to strengthen its cadastre and planning system during the war, emphasizing the importance of collaborative initiatives. The discussion will also touch upon the potential of the urban cadastre system to promote accountability in land management, particularly in regions affected by displacement and migration. Drawing lessons from other conflict-affected regions, attendees will examine strategies for effectively implementing and utilizing the urban planning system in the Ukrainian context, with an eye towards long-term peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts.