Public Participation and Sustainable Urban Conservation

The concept of public participation figures high in the urban conservation agenda, one which actively involves the community and the stakeholders to achieve the objective of sustainable development. For development to be environmentally, economically and socially sustainable, it is required that participation be 'equitable, 'effective' and 'full'. The role of power holders is also relevant in achieving this aim. In view of this fact, the case of urban development in Old Dhaka has been taken up, and the complex issue of public participation is discussed, presenting it within the historic city's urban conservation framework.