HARARE, Mar 3 - (NewsDay Live) - A recent report from the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Bank, with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), has revealed that most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly leveraging nature-based solutions to address challenges posed by climate challenges, including flooding, drought, and extreme weather conditions.
The report, titled Growing Resilience: Unlocking the Potential of Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa, assesses nearly 300 projects initiated over the past decade. It highlights a 15% annual increase in new nature-based projects from 2012 to 2021, which focus on protecting and restoring ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and coral reefs. These initiatives not only enhance climate resilience but also create jobs, improve biodiversity, and promote social equity.
The report emphasizes a pressing need for greater investment. Funding for nature-based solution projects in the region grew by 23% annually, exceeding $12 billion between 2012 and 2021. However, this amount falls far short of the estimated $100 billion annual infrastructure financing gap faced by Africa.
“Nature loss and climate risks are inherently linked, especially here in Africa,” said Qimiao Fan, World Bank’s country director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda. He underscored the importance of inclusive solutions for vulnerable communities in the face of intensifying climate threats.
The report also identifies a critical gap: the underrepresentation of nature-based solution projects in urban areas, despite the fact that 70% of African cities face severe climate risks. While traditional solutions such as dams and drainage systems are necessary, integrating natural infrastructure can enhance resilience and reduce costs over time.
To address this gap, WRI is launching the Green-Gray Infrastructure Accelerator, aimed at assisting 11 cities across Sub-Saharan Africa in merging nature-based solutions with conventional infrastructure. This initiative will provide technical, policy, and financial support to help cities develop initial projects and connect with potential financiers.
WRI president and CEO,Ani Dasgupta, said nature supplies clean water, protects communities from disasters, and strengthens resilience.
The report calls for a comprehensive approach to infrastructure that combines both green and gray solutions to maximize benefits for people and the environment.
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