Towards Resilient and Sustainable Cities: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

Cities are complex and dynamic Meta systems in which technological components and social interact. A variety of hazards threatens cities, so planning for resilience in the face of urban disaster is important. We are just beginning to realize the scope and magnitude of the challenges inherent in making our cities resilient to threats from natural hazards and terrorism. To meet these challenges, a national resilient cities initiative, aimed at the vision of the resilient city as the goal that cover all type of hazard mitigation. To succeed, this initiative will require changes in national disaster policy, funding for urban systems research, support for advanced education program and active collaboration among the city professions.One of the natural hazards which cities should be resilience to, is drought that is resulted from climate change. The city of Mashhad which has been faced with water crisis in recent years is selected as a case study. By analyzing the status of water resources and its changes during the periods of growth and development of the city, its function towards the resilience and sustainability is measured. Also necessary strategies for improving the water resourcescondition in order to becoming resilient and sustainable city are proposed.