5. Conclusion
This study has revealed the effects of capital-based transformation of urban peripheries on the people and landscapes in the
emerging economies. It shows peripheries as landscapes and lived
spaces where the state-supported planning strategies are creating
conflicts between people, landscapes and investments. The cur
rent study has improved our understanding of the roles of special
economic zones in inducing rapid landscape change in small and
medium towns. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to explore
at some depth the effects of FDI on informal settlements including
private urban spaces. Another limitation of the study that war
rants further study is exploring views of policymakers and decision
makers responsible for initiating SEZs to understand why SEZs are
given preferential treatment in respect of land use planning. From
this study, it is clear that investors and specially designed planning
authorities for SEZs show a narrow understanding of the multiple
dimensions of sustainability of urban peripheries. It is not enough to
develop green and infrastructure within and around newly estates.
Indeed, this form of transformation of peripheries is inflicting mul
tiple damages to natural resources of immense social and ecological
significance. Finally, the study underscores the need to entrench
urban planning practices that reflect on and respect local environ
mental, cultural and social values of landscapes in order to ensure
achieving the transformation to sustainable urbanisation in the
emerging economies.