Cities across Sub-Saharan Africa, Germany and other regions are increasingly exploring nature-based solutions to address flooding, climate risks, biodiversity loss and wider urban development challenges. However, integrating these approaches into municipal planning, governance and implementation remains a complex task.
This Insight Session will bring together research, policy and municipal network perspectives to present practical approaches for planning, mainstreaming and implementing nature-based solutions.
The session will feature:
McKenna Davis, Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Nature-based Solutions at Ecologic Institute, Berlin
Presentation: Mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions: Insights and Practical Examples from the Urban Governance Atlas
McKenna Davis will share insights and practical examples from the Urban Governance Atlas and the Climate Adaptation Naturally project, highlighting how nature-based solutions can be integrated into municipal policy and planning.
Dr Kirk B. Enu, researcher in landscape architecture, landscape planning and urban resilience
Presentation: Evidence-based Lessons on Planning Nature-based Solutions for Flood Resilience in Sub-Saharan African Cities
Drawing on research from Ghana and the wider Sub-Saharan African region, Kirk Enu will present practical lessons on how municipalities can use research evidence to plan and implement nature-based solutions for inclusive flood resilience.
Andreas Wolter, President of Climate Alliance
Presentation: From Local Action to Collective Impact: How Municipal Networks Advance Climate Resilience
Andreas Wolter will introduce the Climate Alliance network and its role in supporting municipalities to strengthen local climate action. His presentation will highlight how city networks can facilitate peer learning, knowledge exchange, advocacy and cooperation, while helping municipalities translate climate commitments into practical measures, including nature-based approaches to urban resilience.
The session will provide participants with:
- practical examples of nature-based solutions for urban flood resilience;
- insights into the governance, policy and planning conditions required for implementation;
- lessons on linking research evidence with municipal decision-making;
- perspectives on the role of municipal networks in advancing climate action; and
- an opportunity to exchange experiences with practitioners and experts from different cities and regions.
The session will be held in English, with French interpretation available.