SUNCASA | Resilient Cities. Natural Solutions.
Scaling Urban Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) is a 3-year project that aims to enhance resilience, gender equality, social inclusion, and biodiversity protection in urban communities in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and South Africa.
SUNCASA will 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 will be 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.
Project Sites
Dire Dawa
SUNCASA will restore the Dechatu River catchment in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, reducing flood risk, erosion, and urban water stress, benefiting over 200,000 people.
Kigali
In Kigali, Rwanda, SUNCASA will restore micro-catchments in the lower Nyabarongo River watershed, mitigating flood risk, landslides, and soil erosion, improving the resilience of 975,000 people.
Johannesburg
SUNCASA in Johannesburg, South Africa, will restore the Jukskei River catchment through the removal of invasive alien species and tree planting initiatives, decreasing flooding and improving water security for 1.045 million people.
What's new
Gender Equality in Action: Childcare program enables mothers to work on nature-based solutions in Kigali
SUNCASA partners from AVEGA Agahozo have established a childcare program for children aged 9 to 35 months at tree nurseries to support women by providing care while parents work.
A Sustainable Asset Valuation Assessment of Nature-Based Solutions in the Jukskei River Catchment in Johannesburg, South Africa
This report assesses how nature-based solutions in the Jukskei River catchment reduce water pollution, flood damage, and health costs.
A Sustainable Asset Valuation Assessment of Nature-Based Solutions in Kigali, Rwanda
This report assesses how nature-based solutions can reduce flood risks, improve health, and deliver economic benefits for nearly 1 million residents in Kigali, Rwanda.
A Sustainable Asset Valuation Assessment of Nature-Based Solutions in the Dechatu River Catchment in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
This report assesses how nature-based solutions can strengthen climate resilience, protect public health, and support livelihoods in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.
How Biophysical Monitoring Turns Data into Action for Nature-Based Solutions
Rigorous and consistent data analysis provides the feedback needed to refine strategies, attract investment, and strengthen natural infrastructure that delivers multiple social, environmental, and economic benefits.
How to Center Gender and Social Justice in Urban Climate Action
For projects to help communities adapt to climate change, it's vital they engage with champions for gender equality and social inclusion.
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Project Partners
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