Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: Kigali

  • African cities use nature to fight floods and climate change

    Cities in Africa like Addis Ababa, Kigali, and Johannesburg are implementing nature-based solutions to combat the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and heatwaves. Initiatives like reintroducing indigenous tree species, creating green corridors, and restoring wetlands are not only improving resilience but also restoring biodiversity and creating green jobs. Projects like the SUNCASA initiative in Johannesburg and Dire Dawa are showing the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in urban planning, reflecting a broader shift towards more adaptive and sustainable growth models. By investing in landscapes that serve multiple functions, African cities are building resilience and thriving in the face of a changing climate.

    https://www.preventionweb.net/news/african-cities-use-nature-fight-floods-and-climate-change

  • NAP Expo 2026 Set to Accelerate Climate Resilience by 2030 and Beyond in Kigali, Rwanda

    The NAP Expo 2026 in Kigali will bring together global participants to accelerate the implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) to strengthen resilience by 2030 and beyond. The event will focus on moving from adaptation planning to implementation-ready portfolios and financing strategies, with sessions covering key adaptation themes, project design, financing engagement, and strengthening national systems for last-mile delivery. Practical collaboration, peer exchange, and engagement with funders and technical partners will enhance climate solutions by connecting stakeholders and sharing knowledge, aiming to accelerate adaptation action on the ground. Visit the event page for more information on the programme, keynote announcements, session updates, and livestream links.

    https://unfccc.int/news/nap-expo-2026-set-to-accelerate-climate-resilience-by-2030-and-beyond-in-kigali-rwanda

  • Plagued by Flooding, an African City Reengineers Its Wetlands

    Kigali, Rwanda is undergoing a citywide effort to rebuild nature-based infrastructure by restoring wetlands, creating wildlife corridors, parks, and bike lanes, and planting trees to address flooding issues exacerbated by climate change. The city has converted a degraded swamp into a functioning wetland, with plans to reforest hillsides and restore a larger wetland system to control floods, store carbon, and enhance biodiversity. The success of the Nyandungu Eco-Park pilot project has led to the restoration of five more degraded wetlands in the city, covering 1,200 acres. The Kigali Master Plan aims to restore and protect wetlands, while also monitoring social impacts and engaging with the local community to ensure the success of wetland restoration efforts. These efforts, including the planting of 3 million trees over five years, are crucial steps in adapting to the changing climate and reducing the impact of extreme weather events in Kigali.

    https://e360.yale.edu/features/kigali-rwanda-wetland-restoration