Africa Climate Push: First Nature-Based Solutions Call Launched for Resilient Port Infrastructure
Africa contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions but remains one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world. Rising sea levels and increasingly severe weather events are projected to significantly damage coastal and port infrastructure by 2050—posing serious risks to trade, food security, and economic stability.
First NBS-IA Call for Africa Launched
In response, the first Africa-focused call for proposals under the Nature-Based Solutions Innovation Accelerator (NBS-IA) has been officially launched.
The initiative is spearheaded by Italy’s Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The launch took place in Genoa during the event “Nature for Resilient Infrastructure: Grant Support for Sustainable Port and Logistics Infrastructure through NbS in Africa.”
Genoa Positioned as a Global Model
Speaking at the launch, Matteo Paroli, President of the Port System Authority of the Western Ligurian Sea, highlighted Genoa’s leadership in sustainable port management.
He emphasized that ports like Genoa, Savona, and Vado have successfully integrated energy transition, environmental monitoring, digitalisation, and lifecycle infrastructure management—demonstrating that economic growth and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand.
Paroli also expressed readiness to share this expertise globally, particularly to support Africa’s port infrastructure development.
Nature-Based Solutions: A Game-Changer
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are emerging as a key strategy to:
Strengthen infrastructure resilience
Reduce climate risks
Deliver environmental and social benefits
Boost local economies
These solutions include restoring mangroves, creating natural coastal barriers, and integrating hybrid green-grey infrastructure systems.
Six African Nations Targeted
The call for proposals is open to pilot projects in:
Algeria
Angola
Côte d’Ivoire
Kenya
Mozambique
Tanzania
Projects must demonstrate scalability and replicability, ensuring that successful models can be expanded across regions and sectors.
Ports at the Heart of Africa’s Economy
Ports handle over 80% of global trade by volume, making them critical to Africa’s economic future. However, they are increasingly exposed to:
Coastal flooding
Erosion
Extreme storms
This growing vulnerability highlights the urgent need for sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure solutions.
Mattei Plan Boosts Africa Partnerships
The initiative aligns with the Mattei Plan for Africa, which promotes:
Sustainable investments
Infrastructure resilience
Long-term international partnerships
Officials stressed that collaboration between Europe and Africa will be key to mobilising climate finance and advancing sustainable logistics systems.
Global Push for Sustainable Infrastructure
According to UNEP’s Adaptation and Resilience leadership, Africa stands on the frontlines of climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions.
Experts believe nature-based infrastructure can help the continent leapfrog traditional development models, enabling greener supply chains while restoring ecosystems and strengthening economies.
Way Forward
The NBS-IA programme builds on earlier initiatives in Central Asia and is rapidly evolving into a global platform for innovation in climate-resilient infrastructure.
The latest Africa call marks a significant step toward integrating nature-based solutions into mainstream infrastructure planning, unlocking long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits.
