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Settlement in rural areas

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Key points
  • Attention should be given to laws and regulations governing the use of environmental impact assessments prior to the design and planning of the settlement and shelter programme.
  • No one option is ideal. Settlement planning is context specific.
  • A sound settlement strategy may combine several settlement options.
  • Assess available natural resources and the absorption capacity of hosting areas.
  • Ensure that needs assessments evaluate the logistics infrastructure, storage capacity, the availability of construction materials, and the feasibility of setting up supply chains into affected areas.
  • Environmental considerations must be integrated into physical planning and shelter programmes from the start of an emergency. The location and layout of camps, provisions for emergency shelter, and the use of local resources for construction and fuel, can have significant impacts on the environment.

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