UrbanShift Geospatial Planning Lab in Bitung: Strategizing for Sustainable Economic Growth

Bitung City is at a turning point—experiencing rapid urban growth while striving to protect its rich biodiversity and natural tourism assets. To support this delicate balance, UrbanShift organized a two-day geospatial analysis lab in Bitung to help local stakeholders align spatial planning with biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic development. 

Using high-resolution geospatial data and participatory mapping, the Lab explored how Bitung’s expansion intersects with sensitive ecological zones, and how nature-positive solutions can strengthen tourism potential and local livelihoods. Participants co-developed targeted strategies to shape Bitung’s urban future in a way that protects both people and ecosystems. 

The Bitung Lab combined spatial analysis with policy dialogue and technical exercises, centered around: 

• Urban Expansion & Biodiversity: Understanding how Bitung’s urban growth intersects with critical ecological areas and conservation zones. 

• Sustainable Tourism: Mapping access, services, and ecological sensitivities around tourism areas such as Lembeh Strait, Batuputih, and Batuangus Nature Tourism Parks. 

• Institutional Coordination: Facilitating dialogue between local government, Bappenas, North Sulawesi Conservation Agency (BKSDA), and tourism stakeholders to align development priorities. 

Activities included: 

• Technical data presentations on urban growth trends, ecosystem services, and tourism-related land use 

• Field visits to tourism-conservation hotspots 

• Interactive mapping exercises to co-design spatial strategies 

• Peer learning with other similar cities, such as Jayapura 

• Action planning on feasibility, governance, and policy alignment of potential solutions 

Speakers:

• John-Rob Pool, Senior Manager, UrbanShift & Nature-Positive Urban Development, WRI

• Gorka Zubicaray, Urban Development Senior Technical Specialist, WRI Mexico

• Retno Wihanesta, Research Analyst/Urban Transport Planner, WRI Indonesia

• Arif Wibowo, Indonesia Country Manager, ICLEI 

• Medhiansyah Putra, UrbanShift Country Coordinator for Indonesia, ICLEI 

• Yuko Arai, Urban Specialist, World Bank 

• Efrian Muharrom, Environmental Specialist, World Bank