Nature-based green infrastructure: African experience and potential
Date
Time (GMT +01)
09:30 11:00
Image credit:Photo © Terrestrial Restoration Action Society of Seychelles (TRASS)
Description
Research by ODI and partners shows that when stakeholders are given a say in planning processes, they often favour nature-based green infrastructure – such as managing freshwater flows, improving agricultural productivity or planting native vegetation – over more traditional ‘grey’ infrastructure alternatives. Often, stakeholders choose to combine green and grey infrastructure measures together.
From Freetown, Sierra Leone, to Praslin Island, Seychelles, communities recognise the multiple benefits of green infrastructure, including improved food and income security, reduced heat stress and disaster losses, and contributions to climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Green infrastructure has the potential to enhance biodiversity, and can also benefit recreational, cultural, religious, and aesthetic aspects of human life.
In this open event, experts from Sierra Leone, Seychelles, and an Africa-wide infrastructure programme shared their experiences. ODI researchers presented their findings on the opportunities for planning, implementing, and financing nature-based green infrastructure in diverse African contexts. The focus of the discussion was on what more international and national funders could do to ensure that the full range of green infrastructure benefits can be well understood and supported.
The event, which took place online and in-person, and the research were funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The event was hosted by ODI's Global Risks and Resilience (GRR) programme.
Two ODI reports were launched at the event:
1. Nature-based green infrastructure: A review of African experience and potential
2. Mapping finance sources for nature-based solutions in Africa
Speakers
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Rebecca Nadin
Director, Global Risks and Resilience programme
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Mairi Dupar
Senior Technical Advisor, Global Risks and Resilience, ODI
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Laetitia Pettinotti
Senior Research Officer, ODI
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Adriana Quevedo
Senior Research Officer, ODI
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Eric Hubbard
Senior Advisor/Consultant to the Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone and the Freetown City Council.
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Dr Elvina Henriette
Terrestrial Restoration Action Society of Seychelles (TRASS)
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Jessy Appavoo
UrbanShift Africa
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Ameil Harikishun
Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), SouthSouthNorth
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Nadia Sitas
Centre for Sustainability Transitions
