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Nature-based development
Nature-based to protect and enhance the biodiversity and ecosystems in and around our cities, which underpin key aspects of our local economies and upon which we depend for the well-being and resilience of our communities.
This pathway’s focus areas
Protect and restore
Protect and restore
biodiversity and ecosystems
Unlock
Unlock
nature’s contributions for people
Promote
Promote
nature-based solutions
Protect and restore
biodiversity and ecosystems
Unlock
nature’s contributions for people
Promote
nature-based solutions
Through this pathway, local and regional governments prioritise healthy local environments, in which air, water, soil and all natural resources that sustain life and health are protected and nurtured. They deploy strategies and plans that unlock the potential for nature to provide essential services and new economic opportunities. They apply nature-based solutions, use blue and green infrastructure and promote green zones.
Pathway resources
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book
Posters & infographics
10 Things you should know | Protecting health and wellbeing from extreme heat in African cities
book
Posters & infographics
WaterSOURCE Toolkit for Advancing Circular Water Management in South African Municipalities
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book
Posters & infographics
10 urban risk factors influencing health in African cities
book
Posters & infographics
Pathway projects
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Active
Multistakeholder partnerships for water adaptation
The African Cities Water Adaptation (ACWA) Platform works to advance urban water resilience in Africa
Equitable and people-centered development
Resilient development
Circular development
Nature-based development
Low emission development
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Completed
Embedding urban natural assets into local governance
UNA Embed blends reflection, technical learning and real-world exposure, strengthening both individual and collective capacity to integrate nature-based approaches into urban planning and policy.
Equitable and people-centered development
Resilient development
Nature-based development
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Completed
Water Security Strategy for Johannesburg
We co-developed the Water Security Strategy for the City of Johannesburg by defining challenges and designing remedial strategic responses.
Low emission development
Equitable and people-centered development
Resilient development
Circular development
Nature-based development
Pathway news updates
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Featured Member
18 June 2026
From vision to strategy: Sharm El-Sheikh’s transition to a model green city
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News
2 April 2026
World Health Day 2026: Designing healthy cities to achieve Universal Health Coverage
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forum
News
