NAbSA Dialogues | Green Infrastructures for Urban Resilience
Green infrastructure and nature-based solutions (NbS) are proven, cost-effective means to reduce climate risks and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities to the impacts of climate change, such as floods, landslides, and the urban heat island effect.
The fifth session of the NAbSA Dialogues series highlighted IISD’s Scaling Urban Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) Project. The discussion explored how NbS and green infrastructure can help cities adapt to climate change, manage extreme weather, preserve biodiversity, and provide healthier living environments.
Green infrastructure and NbS play a vital role in preparing urban communities for the impacts of climate change. By integrating green spaces and natural systems into city planning, NbS enhance urban resilience, reduce flood risks, improve air quality, and boost biodiversity. These approaches help cities adapt to climate change, manage extreme weather events, and create healthier living environments.
The fifth session of the NAbSA Dialogues series was held on September 5, 2024, and featured the SUNCASA Project. Funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Partnering for Climate (P4C) initiative, SUNCASA collaborates with the World Resources Institute and a diverse group of local partners to implement NbS in Dire Dawa (Ethiopia), Kigali (Rwanda), and Johannesburg (South Africa). The project aims to enhance resilience, gender equality, social inclusion, and biodiversity protection in the three cities.
This session included a panel discussion with speakers from SUNCASA partner governments and organizations, as well as the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Urban Team. They shared their experiences with NbS in urban contexts, focusing on water resources and watershed management to ensure equitable access and use for communities.
Watch the recording of the event and check out slideshow below to learn more:
The NAbSA Dialogues is a platform for experts and stakeholders interested in the practical implementation of NbS, green infrastructure techniques, and water resource management to increase climate adaptation and resilience in urban landscapes. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more and hear from experts!
Upcoming Topics in the NAbSA Dialogues:
- September 25: Safeguarding Coastal Communities With Nature
- October 29: Policy and Governance for Supporting NbS
- November 26: Financing NbS
