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Scaling Urban Nature-based Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA)
Helping urban communities develop and implement gender-responsive nature-based solutions to address water risks.
Launch Platform
Topic
Cities
Regions
Africa
SUNCASA is part of
Freshwater
Gender
and
WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
. Contact
Eden Takele
for more details or media inquiries.
SUNCASA is part of
Freshwater
Gender
and
WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
. Contact
Eden Takele
for more details or media inquiries.
Africa’s rapid
urban growth
in recent decades has left many cities struggling to protect natural ecosystems and the critical services they provide. Intensive resource extraction and deteriorating landscapes have given rise to a host of water-related risks; primarily, flooding and water scarcity. These effects are especially detrimental to women and other marginalized groups, who are generally more vulnerable to water-related risks because of gender norms, economic disparities, and limited access to resources and opportunities.
Recognizing and incorporating the perspectives of women and other climate-vulnerable communities can catalyze more sustainable land and resource management practices, improve environmental stewardship, foster social equity, and accelerate economic empowerment.
The Scaling Urban Nature-based Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) project will benefit 2.2 million people living in high-flood-risk areas across three major African cities by building their resilience to flooding and other water-related risks through gender-responsive nature-based solutions (NbS).
Learn more about SUNCASA
Download project overview
Led by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and WRI, the SUNCASA project works with local organizations and communities, women, traditionally marginalized groups, and national and local authorities to design and implement solutions that enhance climate adaptation and combat social inequities. This includes developing gender-responsive approaches to solutions like restoration, agroforestry and urban tree planting.
SUNCASA aims to engage women and other underrepresented groups in NbS planning, project preparation, implementation and local decision-making. In delivering these solutions, the project works to shift social norms and power relationships to facilitate the active participation and influence of women in climate action.
In
Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
, SUNCASA will restore the Dechatu River catchment to address flood risk, erosion and urban water stress. Over 200,000 people living in flood-prone areas stand to benefit from these solutions.
In
Kigali, Rwanda
, SUNCASA will restore critical upstream micro-catchments in the lower Nyabarongo River watershed to reduce flood risk, landslides and soil erosion. The project aims to ultimately enhance the resilience of 975,000 people.
In
Johannesburg, South Africa
, SUNCASA will support urban greening and the revitalization of the Jukskei River catchment. Interventions aim to decrease flood risk, improve urban heat management, enhance water security, support livelihoods and protect biodiversity. The project aims to benefit 1.045 million people.
Cover image by Cesar H. Arrais | SUNCASA/IISD
Featured from this Project
Climate Resilience
Strengthening Gender Equity in Locally Led Adaptation Processes in Africa
Working Paper
June 21, 2023
Freshwater
Nature-Based Solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa for Climate and Water Resilience
Technical Note
November 3, 2022
Gender
Enabling Women as Key Actors in Nature-based Solutions
Working Paper
July 5, 2023
Cities
New Data Dashboard Helps Cities Build Urban Resilience in a Changing Climate
Update
July 5, 2023
Water Security
As Cities Grow Across Africa, They Must Plan for Water Security
Insights
May 11, 2021
Forests
3 Ways Forests Can Solve the World's Water Crises
Insights
March 20, 2018
Freshwater
Water Resilience in a Changing Urban Context:  Africa's Challenge and Pathways for Action
Report
July 19, 2021
Gender
Women Are the Secret Weapon for Better Water Management
Insights
October 18, 2018
Project Partners
Featured Experts
Todd Gartner
Director, Cities4Forests and Natural Infrastructure
Aklilu Fikresilassie
Director, Thriving Resilient Cities, WRI Africa; Representative of WRI in Ethiopia
Pablo Lazo Elizondo
Director, Urban Development, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
Marc Manyifika
Lead, Urban Resilience, Africa
Amanda Gcanga
Country Lead for Urban Water Resilience & Senior Urban Policy Analyst
Alemakef Tassew
Urban Development Project Specialist, WRI Africa
Lisa Beyer
Senior Manager, Nature for Urban Resilience
Ayushi Trivedi
Research Associate
View all Experts
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Media Contacts
Eden Takele
Engagement & Communications Specialist, Climate Program and WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, WRI Africa
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