Microscale Audits and the challenges for pedestrians in residential districts of Oman

Abstract

Background: Although countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have integrated the sustainable development agenda in their national visions. they face challenges in ensuring a livable and healthy built environment that addresses challenges of climate change and pandemic of noncommunicable diseases. Methods: This paper applies environmental audits to assess the microscale qualities (land use, aesthetics, pedestrian infrastructure, and safety) of residential areas of two cities in Oman, Barka and Nizwa. Results: The findings confirm low environmental qualities across the four subscales of the MAPs-mini in all study areas. Conclusions: With the rise of NCDs levels in the region, urgent action is needed to improve the quality of the built environment. Microscale attributes of the built environment have the potential to support active living while addressing the climate change challenges.