Nature-based Solutions for Building Resilient Infrastructure

Countries in the Global South face an estimated total infrastructure average annual loss (AAL) of USD 397 billion, accounting for 54% of the disaster risk globally. However, LMICs only account for 32.7% of the exposed infrastructure (CDRI 2023). 

As extreme events increase, the total infrastructure AAL in LMICs is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades.NbS such as deep-root systems for slope stabilisation and mangrove restoration for protecting coastal infrastructure, have provided positive results in reducing the risk of extreme weather events such as floods and cyclones. 

Agenda:

High-level panel discussion
The session will identify and assess innovative Nature-based Infrastructure Solutions (NbIS) in urban areas. It will then explore strategies for implementing them at scale by bringing together public and private sector stakeholders to build resilience against climate change. Intended outcomes of the session include:

● A deeper understanding of the need to utilise Nature-based Solutions for building resilience of urban infrastructure by exploring successful case studies of NbS adopted across the Global South.

However, since the technical, physical and financial capacities necessary for designing and implementing NbS for infrastructure resilience are insufficiently developed, cities all over the globe face several challenges in scaling and mainstreaming NbS.

At COP28, significant emphasis was placed on integrating nature-based solutions (NbS) and enhancing infrastructure resilience through ecosystem services, as highlighted by the findings of the Global Stocktake and the Global Goal on Adaptation. This session will highlight the three key pillars essential for creating an enabling environment for building infrastructure resilient through NbS policy, finance, and technology.

● A list of innovative financial mechanisms that are currently being used in the Global South or have the potential to be scaled for implementing NbS.

● Identified pathways through which NbS can be integrated into existing schemes and policies, such as City Climate Action Plans and Heat Action Plans to build urban infrastructure resilience.