Scaling Urban Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) is a 3-year project (2 years in Johannesburg) that aims to enhance resilience, gender equality, social inclusion, and biodiversity protection in urban communities in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and South Africa.
SUNCASA aims to benefit 2.2 million people living in high-flood-risk areas in Dire Dawa (Ethiopia), Kigali (Rwanda), and Johannesburg (South Africa). Funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Partnering for Climate program and delivered by IISD and the World Resources Institute, SUNCASA is being implemented in partnership with a wide array of local organizations.
The project’s gender-responsive NbS include the restoration and conservation of upstream watershed areas with agroforestry, afforestation, and reforestation, buffer zone creation, and urban tree planting.
In Johannesburg, South Africa, SUNCASA will support the revitalization of the Upper Jukskei River catchment, decreasing flooding, improving urban heat management, enhancing water security, supporting livelihoods, expanding green areas, and protecting biodiversity. Gender-responsive nature-based solutions (NbS) will make 1.045 million people more resilient to climate change while also delivering other benefits.
IISD and WRI are working in partnership with the City of Johannesburg, Johannesburg City Parks, GenderCC Southern Africa – Women for Climate Justice, Water for the Future Jukskei River Rehabilitation, Alexandra Water Warriors Npc, Johannesburg Inner City Partnership and Zutari, and will deploy targeted NbS for riverbank rehabilitation and the removal of invasive species clogging waterways.
See more about the Johannesburg project here.
“Our objective, together with our local partners, Alexandra Water Warriors and Water for the Future, is to restore the Jukskei River to its former glory. This means clean water and green riverbanks that provide a buffer against flash floods, so that people who live next to the river are safer. It means the return of birds, fish and indigenous vegetation and a source of drinking water for local communities. It also means that the river becomes an integral part of the urban fabric and is activated to offer a myriad of socio-economic opportunities, such as a place to grow food, a place where children can be safe, play and learn. Also a place where one can go for walks, come together and enjoy being in nature. The restoration work will be carried out by local youths and woman. We are honoured to be funded by Global Affairs Canada and to be working in partnership with The Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the World Resources Institute (WRI) on this important project.”
David van Niekerk, CEO, Johannesburg Inner City Partnership
In the press
21 May 2024 RELEASE: Canada Awards Over CAD$28 Million to Scale Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation in African Cities
