Abstract
This paper discusses the local capacity building process for managing urban environmental challenges, particularly in the areas of water and wastewater, solid waste, and air quality. Local capacity is categorized under assessment capacity and response capacity. Assessment capacity covers the monitoring capacity as well as capacity to assess the socioeconomic impacts of the pollution. The response capacity covers planning, regulatory, institutional, social, financial, and technical capacities. Thereafter, we discuss the role of international cooperation in local capacity building process. In this regard, we present “Kitakyushu Initiative for a Clean Environment” as an example.
