WRI Launches Strategic Framework to Boost City Resilience with Nature-Based Solutions
World Resources Institute (WRI) has developed a Strategic Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Framework to assist cities in tackling climate challenges. The framework, supported by AFD's ECOPRONAT research program, helps cities prioritize and invest in NBS to boost resilience against extreme weather and rising temperatures.
WRI's Cities4Forests and Urban Water Resilience initiatives have collaborated to create this repeatable planning method. It enables rapid spatial risk analysis, allowing cities to pinpoint areas most vulnerable to climate risks and select appropriate NBS.
WRI experts have already applied this framework in Addis Ababa and Kigali, identifying priority areas and developing project concepts for each city. In Kigali, three areas were pinpointed, with project concepts addressing flood risks, extreme heat, and biodiversity risks using a mix of green and gray infrastructure solutions. Meanwhile, Addis Ababa's priority areas focused on heat and flood mitigation, ecosystem conservation, river management, and biodiversity restoration.
WRI recommends establishing supportive governance structures and funding to pilot early ideas and expand NBS programs. The institute is currently working to enhance the framework and continues to partner with Addis Ababa and Kigali to develop financial proposals for NBS project concepts.
WRI's Strategic NBS Framework offers a practical tool for cities to integrate NBS into urban planning, enhancing climate resilience. The institute welcomes interested organizations to partner on NBS project concepts or apply the framework in their cities.
