The case for investment in green infrastructure in African cities

Authors: Manisha Gulati, adviser on WWF African Ecological Futures II Programme; Louise Scholtz, WWF-SA

African cities are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as droughts, increased precipitation, rising sea levels, more frequent and stronger cyclones and storms, and extreme temperatures.

In this publication the authors argue that it is critical that there is a spotlight on what infrastructure gets built because of the sheer magnitude of the investment and associated impacts. They see an opportunity for African policymakers to invest differently in urban infrastructure.

To prepare the ground for African cities to adopt an integrated and coherent approach towards green infrastructure, the report makes the following recommendations:

  • fostering a better understanding of green infrastructure;
  • developing robust evidence of green infrastructure; building the economic case for green infrastructure;
  • developing frameworks for context-specific green infrastructure;
  • developing frameworks to assess the value of green infrastructure projects; and
  • building a holistic case for green infrastructure in cities.

Farm Design was responsible for the document design, infographics and illustrations.

About WWF South Africa

WWF is the world’s leading independent conservation organisation. WWF works to look after our natural resources — oceans, land and wildlife — so we can continue to benefit from food, water and a healthy climate.

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