Latest news with #EcoDRR
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: GCF grants $40mln to Sanbi's Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction project
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a $40m grant for the South African National Biodiversity Institute's (Sanbi) Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) project. The project aims to harness an ecosystem-based approach to tackle climate-induced disasters. Ecosystem-based approaches Over the next eight years, the Eco-DRR initiative will benefit more than five million South Africans, particularly in vulnerable communities, by embedding ecosystem-based approaches into disaster risk planning. This will bolster infrastructure resilience, safeguard livelihoods, and enhance adaptive capacity in the face of climate change impacts. 'This is a monumental achievement for South Africa and a testament to Sanbi's expertise as a direct access entity to the GCF,' said Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George. 'The Eco-DRR project will empower millions of our citizens, ensuring that we build a resilient future where nature and communities thrive together.' Sustainable development and climate resilience The approval underscores South Africa's dedication to sustainable development and climate resilience. George added: 'By leveraging the power of ecosystems, this project not only mitigates disaster risks but also fosters inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. It is a beacon of hope for a greener, stronger South Africa.' The Eco-DRR project forms part of the country's National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and its vision of fostering a climate-resilient society. The initiative will deliver long-term benefits by integrating ecosystem-based approaches into national planning frameworks. 'We will work tirelessly to ensure that the benefits of this initiative reach our most vulnerable communities, paving the way for a sustainable future,' George concluded. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
IOL News
2 days ago
- General
- IOL News
SANBI to implement eco-disaster risk reduction project with Green Climate Fund support
Floods in the Eastern Cape in June 2025 claimed more than 92 lives. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) will receive a R700 million grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to support nature-based disaster risk reduction over eight years. The project is expected to take place in the Eastern Cape Province: Alfred Nzo District, Umzimvubu and Ntabankulu Local Municipalities. Image: OR Tambo District Municipality The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) will receive a R700 million grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to aid SANBI's Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco DRR) project. The GCF announced their support for nature-based disaster risk reduction over eight years during their board meeting held in Papua New Guinea on Tuesday. This investment will support the implementation of the project called, 'Scaling up ecosystem-based approaches to managing climate-intensified disaster risks in vulnerable regions of South Africa', or the Eco-DRR project, said Nontsikelelo Mpulo, SANBI's Director of marketing communications and commercialisation. The Eco-DRR project is expected to take place in four climate-vulnerable district municipalities. The proposed project sites have been identified are: Eastern Cape Province: Alfred Nzo District, Umzimvubu and Ntabankulu Local Municipalities; Limpopo Province: Sekhukune District, Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality; Mpumalanga Province: Ehlanzeni District, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality; and North West Province: Ngaka Modiri Molema District, Ramotshere Moiloa Municipality. The exact location of the intervention sites will be determined through an operationalisation phase at the start of the project, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, stated SANBI. The lessons that emerge will be applied to climate change adaptation responses across the country. Mpulo stated that the project is expected to benefit approximately 366,000 people and indirectly reach over 5.1 million South Africans, especially those in areas most affected by floods, droughts, and wildfires. The project is expected to restore and protect critical ecosystems such as catchments, wetlands, and forests and is intended to reduce the communities' exposure to extreme weather events, enhance water security, and promote sustainable, nature-based livelihoods. Mpulo said that the Eco-DRR project is part of SANBI's broader climate adaptation portfolio and contributes directly to the GCF's targeted results for 2024-2027, for ecosystems and food systems. Dr Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), said SANBI's leadership as a direct access entity reinforces South Africa's role in pioneering sustainable climate solutions and reflects the country's commitment to harnessing ecosystem-based approaches to tackle climate-induced disasters. "The initiative will embed ecosystem-based approaches into disaster risk planning. This will bolster infrastructure resilience, safeguard livelihoods, and enhance adaptive capacity against climate change impacts,' he said.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Green Climate Fund awards R700 million to South Africa for climate disaster resilience
Damages caused by the April 2024 flash flood in Margate on the KZN South Coast. Image: Johan Steyn MILLIONS of vulnerable South Africans stand to benefit after the country secured a multimillion-rand grant for eco-friendly disaster risk management. It comes as the country grapples with changing weather patterns and the effects of climate change, which have caused widespread devastation and loss of life. This week the Green Climate Fund (GCF) approved a grant of just over USD 40 million (around R700 million) during its 42nd Board meeting, currently underway in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The funding will support the South African National Biodiversity Institute's (SANBI) Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco DRR) project, which will be rolled out over the next eight years. SANBI described the grant as a 'landmark investment' for the implementation of its initiative, officially titled; Scaling up ecosystem-based approaches to managing climate intensified disaster risks in vulnerable regions of South Africa, or simply the Eco DRR project. 'The role of biodiversity in South Africa's response to climate change is at the heart of this project,' said SANBI CEO Shonisani Munzhedzi. 'Healthy ecosystems act as natural buffers against climate extremes, protecting lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods. This project represents a major step forward in climate adaptation financing for South Africa.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Munzhedzi noted that SANBI's accreditation as a Direct Access Entity of the GCF since 2016 has enabled it to unlock international climate finance, while advancing national priorities and building institutional capacity. To date, SANBI and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) remain the only South African institutions accredited by the GCF. The organisation said the eight-year project is expected to have a 20-year impact in the communities where it will be implemented. It is projected to directly benefit around 366,000 people and reach over 5.1 million South Africans indirectly—especially those living in areas hardest hit by floods, droughts, and wildfires. Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said that, 'The increasing frequency of floods, droughts and wildfires pose a serious threat to South Africa's communities, especially those in rural and peri-urban areas.' "This investment will support our efforts to strengthen ecological infrastructure, reduce disaster risk, and build adaptive capacity where it is needed most.'' George said the GCF's approval was a 'monumental achievement for South Africa and a testament to SANBI's expertise as a Direct Access Entity to the GCF.' 'The Eco DRR project will empower millions of our citizens, ensuring that we build a resilient future where nature and communities thrive together,' he said. He added that by harnessing the power of ecosystems, the project would not only help reduce disaster risks but also promote inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. 'It is a beacon of hope for a greener, stronger South Africa,' he said.
