Scaling Up Investment in Nature-Based Solutions for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

Webinar series under the project of Africa–China climate adaptation knowledge exchange

This session will highlight practical experiences and financing mechanisms that leverage natural ecosystems to enhance the climate resilience of infrastructure.

Event Description

Global Center on Adaptation China Office (GCA China), in collaboration with the Environmental Development Center (EDC) of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation (NCSC), will organize three online webinar under the project of China-Africa Knowledge Exchange. These events will focus on integrating climate resilience into infrastructure. 

The third webinar, “Scaling Up Investment in Nature-Based Solutions for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure.” This session will highlight practical experiences and financing mechanisms that leverage natural ecosystems to enhance the climate resilience of infrastructure. The discussion will present case studies from China and Africa on the application of nature-based solutions (NbS) in areas such as flood management, and ecological restoration. The webinar will examine policy barriers and business models, showcase innovative financing tools, and share successful experiences in public-private partnerships. By encouraging diversified capital flows towards green and resilient infrastructure, this session aims to promote multiple co-benefits for regional ecological health and socio-economic development. 

AGENDA
The webinar will be held online, 2 hours of each, with participants able to pre-register and join via Zoom. The events will start with a brief introduction by the Moderator.  Following that are four presentations (each speech 15 minutes). Following each presentation, there will be a 10-minute Q&A session for attendees to ask questions about topics covered in the talks, facilitating idea-sharing and exchange of information. Finally, the moderator will provide a summary as a closing of the event (10 minutes). The event will be in English and provide live interpretation in English and Chinese. The key findings and outcomes from the webinar series will be consolidated into a report or a series of articles, which will be published on the official website as a resource for interested stakeholders. 

Key Objectives: 

• Strengthen Knowledge Exchange: Connect experts, industry stakeholders, and policymakers from China and Africa to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, best practices, and local experiences in climate-resilient infrastructure. 
• Advance Policy and Technical Innovation: Promote the development of effective policies, innovative solutions, and case studies to inform practical application and support resilient infrastructure planning. 
• Promote Collaboration and Investment: Encourage diverse partnerships and mobilize investment, particularly in nature-based solutions, to strengthen China-Africa cooperation on climate adaptation. 
• Build Adaptive Capacity: Enhance the ability of infrastructure systems in China and Africa to anticipate, withstand, and adapt to climate risks through targeted collaboration and knowledge sharing.