In sub-saharan Africa, nature-based solutions take root

The Growing Embrace of Nature-Based Solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa, despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, is at the forefront of the climate crisis. The region faces a dual threat: extreme flooding in coastal and urban areas, exemplified by cities like Lagos, Nigeria, and severe drought, which has displaced millions in the Horn of Africa. In response, communities are increasingly turning to nature-based solutions (NBS) as a powerful and effective tool for building climate resilience.

What Are Nature-Based Solutions?

At their core, nature-based solutions involve protecting, managing, and restoring natural ecosystems to benefit people, nature, and the climate simultaneously. They are not merely “eco-friendly” projects; they are strategic investments in natural infrastructure that provide multiple benefits, often more cost-effectively than traditional engineered solutions.

Key characteristics of NBS include:

• Multi-benefit approach: Beyond climate resilience, NBS projects often generate significant co-benefits, such as creating jobs, boosting farm yields, increasing incomes, and protecting biodiversity.
• Integration with engineered infrastructure: Known as “green-gray infrastructure,” this approach combines natural systems (e.g., mangroves) with traditional built infrastructure (e.g., sea walls) to enhance protection and cost-effectiveness.

A Surge in Projects and Funding

A new report from the WRI and the World Bank highlights the rapid growth of NBS projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Between 2012 and 2023, the region saw nearly 300 new projects, securing over $21 billion in funding. The number of new projects grew by an impressive 15% annually between 2012 and 2021, demonstrating a significant momentum shift.

These projects vary widely in scale and scope:

• Large-scale initiatives: Over 75% of the projects analyzed were large-scale, with funding between $1 million and $500 million.
• Small-scale, community-led projects: The remaining 25% were smaller, locally-led initiatives, with funding between $50,000 and $1 million.

Real-World Examples in Action

Two distinct examples illustrate the diversity and impact of nature-based solutions:

1. The Msimbazi Basin Development Project, Tanzania 🇹🇿

This $260 million “green-gray” initiative in Dar es Salaam is a prime example of a large-scale project. By combining river restoration, wetland rehabilitation, and engineered solutions like dams and drainage channels, the project aims to protect the city from severe annual flooding that has devastated communities and the local economy. This approach leverages the natural water absorption and purification capabilities of wetlands alongside traditional infrastructure.

2. Mangrove Restoration in Kwale County, Kenya 🇰🇪

In a grassroots effort, coastal communities are restoring their coastlines and creating sustainable livelihoods through mangrove restoration and seaweed farming. Faced with rising sea levels, storm surges, and declining fish stocks, community groups have replanted over 243,000 mangrove seedlings. The restored mangroves not only protect against coastal erosion but also enhance biodiversity, while seaweed farming provides an economic buffer against climate shocks.

The Importance of Collaboration

The success of nature-based solutions hinges on strong collaboration. A project in Sudan’s White Nile region, for example, demonstrates how a coordinated effort between local communities, government agencies, and international donors can lead to effective and lasting change.

• Community involvement: Local communities are crucial for developing strategies tailored to their specific needs.
• Government leadership: National governments play a central role, leading 61% of the identified initiatives and ensuring project strategies are integrated into national policies and budgets.
• Financial backing: Funding for over 80% of projects comes from a combination of national governments, multilateral development banks, and multilateral donors, highlighting a shared financial commitment to these solutions.

This collaborative approach ensures that NBS projects are not only well-funded but also locally relevant and institutionally supported, increasing their chances of long-term success. The diversity in project size and leadership shows that tackling climate change requires a variety of approaches and a wide range of actors working together.

source:

https://www.wri.org/insights/nature-based-climate-solutions-sub-saharan-africa?utm_campaign=socialmedia&utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=world+resources+institute