Johannesburg, April 22, 2026—A new nature-based EcoFilter system in Johannesburg is transforming how polluted urban rivers can be managed by combining water treatment, real-time data generation, and community benefits in a single solution.

Installed in the Upper Jukskei River catchment, the EcoFilter system is designed to address persistent and chronic pollution challenges, including microbial contamination, excess nutrients, organic waste, and heavy metals. The system aims to provide accurate monitoring data, demonstrating the potential of nature-based solutions to improve water quality, while supporting the irrigation of women-led community gardens at Victoria Yards, in Johannesburg’s inner city.

The system will officially launch on April 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Victoria Yards—16 Viljoen St, Lorentzville, Johannesburg. 

Designed to function like a natural wetland, the system enables continuous water-quality monitoring, generating long-term datasets to assess performance and inform evidence-based decision making. These data will help document progress, highlighting both successes and ongoing challenges in catchment management while supporting learning and replication in other parts of Johannesburg and across sub-Saharan Africa.

The EcoFilter consists of modular 1,000-litre units arranged in a series of ecological treatment cells that support both anaerobic and aerobic processes for water purification. While its primary function is to support biophysical monitoring of the Jukskei River and to evaluate its benefits for improving water quality, it also delivers direct benefits to the local community by supplying water for the irrigation of community gardens in the area. It will also provide a platform for education and research.

The system was developed under the SUNCASA project (Scaling Urban Nature-based Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa) through a collaboration between Isidima Design and Development, Water For The Future, Zutari, and the University of Johannesburg. The system will be operated by trained staff from Water for the Future (WFTF).

SUNCASA works with local partners and communities to restore the Upper Jukskei River catchment through nature-based solutions. Interventions include removing invasive species and riverine waste, restoring riparian buffer zones, and expanding green spaces by planting indigenous vegetation. These interventions aim to strengthen the climate resilience of more than 1 million residents, particularly in relation to flooding, erosion, and water pollution.

QUOTES

“The City of Johannesburg is committed to transitioning from reactive pollution management to innovative, sustainable solutions that restore the health of our urban rivers. The implementation of the eco-filter system in the Upper Jukskei River catchment represents a significant step forward in integrating nature-based solutions with smart monitoring technologies.

This initiative not only improves water quality and strengthens our ability to respond to pollution in real time but also demonstrates how environmental interventions can deliver meaningful socio-economic benefits. By supporting community-led urban agriculture at Victoria Yards, the project contributes to food security, job creation, and inclusive development.

As a city, we see this as a scalable model for urban water resilience—one that aligns with our broader objectives of ecological restoration, climate adaptation, and sustainable service delivery.”— Daniel Masemola, Director of water management and biodiversity, City of Johannesburg

“The EcoFilter system offers an innovative approach to improving water quality while generating the data needed to support scaling, policy relevance, and learning across SUNCASA. While it is not designed to make Jukskei water potable or address catchment-wide pollution on its own, it provides a visible, monitored bioremediation node, reducing pollution loads and demonstrating the potential of integrated green infrastructure at scale. We believe this solution can be successfully replicated in other cities.”— Richard Grosshans, IISD and SUNCASA bioremediation lead

“Protecting communities and river ecosystems will require eco‑filters to move from pilots to city‑wide deployment as a core part of Johannesburg’s wastewater treatment strategy.”—Amanda Gcanga, WRI country lead for urban water resilience &  senior urban policy analyst, and SUNCASA lead in Johannesburg

“Since 2017, WFTF has spearheaded the vision for a rehabilitated Jukskei, securing the land and pioneering the scientific partnerships—such as our work with Dr. Simon Lorentz (SRK Consulting) and UJ-PEETS—that ultimately made this EcoFilter possible. This system is the next evolution of our nature-based strategy, through which WFTF has transformed brownfields into thriving, women-led urban agricultural sites. By integrating years of river monitoring with community-driven action, we aren’t just filtering water; we are proving that local leadership is the essential catalyst for urban resilience. We are proud that our foundational work, including the water monitoring station established with Dr. Lorentz and continuous testing by Dr. Kousar Hoorzook and her team at UJ-PEETS, created the blueprint for SUNCASA to assist in scaling these vital interventions. For WFTF, this project represents the culmination of a community’s commitment to reclaiming their environment and securing a climate-resilient future for the Upper Jukskei.”— Romy Strander, Water for the Future 

“We have been monitoring the Jukskei River discharge, water quality, and meteorology at Victoria Yards in collaboration with Water for the Future for the past 6 years to improve our knowledge of urban hydrology and provide information for remediation systems like the EcoFilter." — Dr Simon Lorentz, SRK Consulting (SA) 

“The Jukskei River is in a poor state—and we should not accept that. This project is a demonstration, a practical step to show what works so we can do more of it across the city. It also needs to create opportunities for the people living closest to these conditions. What we’re learning is that nature-based solutions and placemaking are one system—when you repair the environment, you restore the place. ”— David van Niekerk, CEO, Johannesburg Inner City Partnership

MEDIA CONTACTS

Cesar Henrique Arrais, Senior Communications Officer, IISD; [email protected]

Bridget van Oerle, Marketing Manager, JICP; [email protected]

Muskaan Malik, Communications Manager, Water For The Future; [email protected]

In the second year of the SUNCASA project, which focuses on harnessing the power of nature to adapt to the impacts of climate change, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia's second-largest city, has already exceeded its agroforestry targets, restoring or revitalizing more than 550 ha of land and planting more than 500,000 trees. The 95 ha of established buffer zones have also exceeded targets. Experts who led or supported these efforts will be sharing critical lessons learned from the experience at an upcoming event.

A peer-learning event taking place from January 26 to 29 will convene partners from Dire Dawa, as well as Kigali (Rwanda) and Johannesburg (South Africa), to discuss early impacts in each city, long-term sustainability goals, and the potential scalability of SUNCASA’s nature-based solutions (NbS), which also promote gender equality and social inclusion. Hosted at the Sharaf Hotel, the event will open at 9:30 a.m. local time with remarks from the Mayor of Dire Dawa, H.E. Kedir Juhar. 

As the host city, Dire Dawa will spotlight the unique challenges of implementing NbS in arid and semi-arid environments. Experts from the Dire Dawa Administration, Haramaya University, and the Hararghe Catholic Secretariat will lead discussions on local constraints—including limited water availability, extreme temperatures, and shallow soils—while also highlighting the strategies that have enabled the city to achieve a remarkable 94% tree survival rate under these conditions. 

Held under the theme “Green Cities for People and Planet,” the event will focus on the opportunities and challenges shaping the project’s final year. Through peer-led discussions, technical exchanges, and site visits, partners will reflect on progress to date and explore how SUNCASA’s results, partnerships, and lessons can be leveraged to secure sustained political, institutional, and financial support for NbS as an inclusive pathway to climate-resilient urban development. 

“The Dire Dawa peer learning event marks an important step forward for SUNCASA, creating space not only to exchange best practices, but to reflect critically on what it takes to deliver lasting impact,” said Samantha Boardley, SUNCASA’s interim project lead and one of the event’s lead facilitators. 

Partners from Kigali will showcase strong progress in agroforestry, with 1,344 ha planted, alongside the expansion of urban green spaces where more than 108,000 trees had been planted by September 20, 2025. Discussions will also highlight innovative community engagement approaches, including student-led climate action initiatives, nursery creation to support parents involved in project activities, and measures to prevent gender-based violence at project sites.

From Johannesburg, participants will share lessons from efforts to restore the Jukskei River, including the removal of alien invasive species and debris, the establishment of buffer zones, and extensive urban tree planting. Partners will also present successful public engagement initiatives, such as environmental education activities in Alexandra Township and the “Art and Litter Traps” project, which transforms waste collected from the river into sculptures and functional litter traps to address flooding and pollution.

Launched in 2024, SUNCASA is a 3-year initiative developed and implemented in close collaboration with local organizations. Delivered by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the World Resources Institute (WRI) with funding from the Government of Canada, the project aims to strengthen climate resilience, promote gender equality and social inclusion, and protect biodiversity in urban communities across Ethiopia, Rwanda, and South Africa. An estimated 2.2 million people living in climate-vulnerable areas benefit from this project.

SUNCASA’s 2nd Peer Learning Event

Where: Sharaf Hotel, 3000 Sabyian Sabian sub city, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

Available Interviews
H.E. Kedir Juhar, Mayor of Dire Dawa City Administration
Benjamin Simmons, SUNCASA Senior Director, IISD
Aklilu Fikresilassie, Director, Thriving Resilient Cities, WRI Africa
Project scientists and community leads are available for interviews. (Please request in advance to confirm availability.)

 

Quotes

“In a short period of time, SUNCASA has shown what is possible when communities are placed at the centre of restoration. By restoring Dire Dawa's land, creating green jobs for women and youth, and protecting our natural habitats with more than a million trees, we are proving that environmental action can also strengthen livelihoods and well-being. We're pleased to share these lessons with other cities as part of this exchange.” 

—H.E. Kedir Juhar, Mayor of Dire Dawa

“What we are learning in Dire Dawa through SUNCASA has relevance far beyond this city. The results show how coordinated and locally led implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS) can be scaled and replicated in other climate-vulnerable cities facing water and land degradation challenges. Peer learning is an important platform for sharing these insights and more."

—Aklilu Fikresilassie, Regional Director for Cities, WRI Africa

“The Dire Dawa peer-learning event marks an important step forward for SUNCASA, creating space not only to exchange best practices, but to reflect critically on what it takes to deliver lasting impact. Anchored in site visits, peer-led dialogue, and technical exchange around the themes of (Re)Connect, Explore, Engage, and Sustain, the event will elevate city experiences while turning attention to sustainability and scale. At a time when expectations for nature-based solutions are higher than ever, this event invites partners to build trust, challenge norms, and explore how SUNCASA’s results, relationships, and lessons can extend far beyond the life of the project.”

—Samantha Boardley, IISD’s climate adaptation, PLE2 Lead Facilitator.

SUNCASA NbS Implementation Progress

• Afforestation - 244/565 ha (43%)  
• Agroforestry – 1,703/1,585 ha (107%)  
• Buffer zones – 660/974 ha (70%)  
• Reforestation – 68/494 ha (11%)  
• Urban greening – 134,669/ 143,500 trees planted (94%)  
• Invasive plant removal – 120/117.3 hectares cleared (78%)  
  
  *As of September 30, 2025  
   

For media inquiries, please contact:

Cesar Henrique Arrais, Senior Communications Officer, IISD, [email protected]
Eden Takele, Engagement & Communications Specialist, WRI Africa, [email protected] 

In 2024, water quality monitoring in Johannesburg’s Jukskei catchment, South Africa, revealed a remarkable seasonal pattern: concentrations of sulphate, phosphate, nitrate, ammonia, and chemical oxygen demand surged during the dry winter months of June to August—when rainfall was at its lowest—before dropping sharply in the rainy season from October to April. Collected by the City of Johannesburg’s Department of Environment, Infrastructure and Services, these findings show how rainfall-driven surface runoff dilutes pollutants in wetter months, while drier conditions concentrate them, offering crucial insight into the catchment’s ecological health. 

Such findings, obtained through rigorous analysis of biophysical data, informed the design and selection of nature-based solutions (NbS) interventions—for example, the use of biofilters to reduce water pollution—within the SUNCASA project (Scaling Urban Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa) in Johannesburg. This highlights how biophysical monitoring is essential not only for tracking environmental indicators such as water quality, soil erosion, and flood risk—and making adjustments as needed—but also for scaling up successful interventions.

Operating in water catchments of three major African cities—besides Johannesburg, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, and Kigali, Rwanda—SUNCASA project teams are planting millions of trees and removing invasive species to demonstrate how NbS interventions can deliver better returns on investment than traditional grey infrastructure for cities trying to reduce flash flood damage and tackle other growing climate change impacts. Rigorous, consistent data—like how effectively the project’s biofilters impact Johannesburg’s seasonal swings in pollutants—provides the feedback needed to refine SUNCASA’s strategies, attract investment, win over policymakers, and strengthen natural infrastructure that delivers multiple social, environmental, and economic benefits. 

The Challenge: Building robust monitoring systems

Effective biophysical monitoring depends on more than occasional data collection. It requires extensive investments in reliable monitoring systems anchored on robust data collection regimes and sound institutional frameworks. Tools, models, and technical skills are also needed to transform monitoring data into actionable insights and knowledge products which can support decision-making and adaptive management. 

In many catchments across Sub-Saharan Africa, regular monitoring is limited or absent, with existing datasets often incomplete or inconsistent due to gaps, duplication, or errors. Contributing factors include aging equipment, insufficient funding, limited technical capacity, and even vandalism of monitoring stations. The need for expertise in artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and data science is growing, as these fields are key to turning complex, multi-source datasets into guidance for community leaders.

SUNCASA’s biophysical monitoring approach 

In SUNCASA, the impact of NbS interventions is tracked by monitoring key biophysical parameters, such as improvement in water quality and quantity, changes in soil condition and health, soil erosion control, and reduction in floods and landslides vulnerability. Both baseline and monitoring data are gathered from primary and secondary sources, such as regular government monitoring data (e.g., water quality), global data repositories from remote sensing missions, and data portals hosting various biophysical datasets for each of the three SUNCASA project cities. This information—often in different formats, scales, and resolutions—must be standardized and processed before integrating it with on-the-ground measurements. 

The situation varies between project sites:

• Dire Dawa – No recent formal monitoring has taken place, limiting effective resource management.
• Kigali – The Rwanda Water Board operates automatic hydrometric stations, but other biophysical data is typically gathered only when needed.
• Johannesburg – The city conducts monthly water quality sampling in its catchment but requires additional hydrometric stations to enhance flood modelling and improve understanding of the hydrological regime.

Catchments with limited to no monitoring data can use secondary data from Earth observation missions to monitor environmental changes at NbS implementation sites. In SUNCASA, satellite imagery, such as Sentinel-2 from the European Space Agency, and Landsat from the United States Geological Survey, is being used in Dire Dawa to monitor soil moisture anomalies between precipitation, surface and sub-surface soil moisture content. Vegetation indices (e.g., Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Enhanced Vegetation Index) are also being used to track vegetation health and changes in our NbS intervention sites. 

Across all three cities, NbS scenarios are being applied with hydrological and hydraulic models to understand how different interventions improve flood mitigation outcomes. In the Dechatu (Dire Dawa) and Jukskei (Johannesburg) catchments, SUNCASA is also supporting monitoring efforts by investing in additional monitoring equipment to carry out regular data collection. 

For instance, in Dire Dawa, a multiparameter probe and contact gauge meter have been acquired to monitor groundwater quality and water level, respectively, to measure long-term impacts of NbS activities on groundwater recharge. In Johannesburg, the installation of additional stream gauge equipment in the Jukskei River will provide data to improve hydrological model performance and calibration, which in turn improves the accuracy of flood models and gives earlier warnings to the city.

Engaging communities in monitoring

In Sub-Saharan Africa, where an average of around 60% of people depend on agriculture, soil erosion and drought threaten food security by removing nutrient-rich topsoil. Natural ecosystems, such as trees and wetlands, help protect soil, purify air, and recharge groundwater—services that benefit communities directly.

SUNCASA is exploring participatory monitoring tools to involve community members in NbS biophysical monitoring. The growing availability of smartphones and mobile apps creates opportunities for citizen science, allowing community members to contribute to data collection, observation, and analysis—helping safeguard the ecosystems they depend on.

What if the next generation of environmental changemakers weren’t in a conference room, but in a vibrant space of learning and creativity? In Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, this vision is becoming a reality through a powerful youth-led initiative called Green City Clubs. Blending environmental education with art, community, and leadership, these school-based clubs are not only planting trees—they’re sowing the seeds of long-term change among students, parents, teachers, and surrounding communities.

Led by the Rwanda Young Water Professionals (RYWP) and supported by the Scaling Urban Nature-based Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) Project, the Green City Clubs are an inclusive, community-driven initiative already established in 17 schools across Kicukiro, Gasabo, and Nyarugenge Districts.  

On June 5, 2025, to mark World Environmental Day, Green City Clubs organized a student-powered environmental competition hosted at Group Scolaire Kimisagara School in Nyarugenge district. The event wasn’t just a celebration; it was a revelation.

Under the theme “Igiti Cyanjye, Nkurane Na Cyo,” or “My tree, I grow with it,” students turned ideas into action. Over 100 students from ages 9 to 18 participated in an array of creative activities: a poetry slam, singing contests, a dancing contest, drawing exhibitions, and a nature-themed fashion show. The school yard buzzed with music, energy, and connection. 

Behind it all was the RYWP team, who not only coordinated the event but also reimagined what climate education could look like. It was clear that to truly engage young people, they needed more than another lecture—it had to be a vibrant, lived experience.

Working closely with school staff, RYWP introduced creative categories based on how students best express themselves. The impact was instant. In front of an audience of 1,500 students, the performers made clear that climate change is not only a scientific issue, but an experience shared by communities everywhere.

 “I am a Tree”: The power of performance

One phrase echoed again and again throughout the competition: “I am a tree.”

In song lyrics, poems, and spoken word performances, students imagined themselves as trees—leading, inspiring, and teaching. One student recited a poem called “Let Me Tell You About My Beautiful Tree,” giving voice to a tree that offered shade, fruit, beauty, and life. 
 

Another student presented a drawing titled “Don’t cut me, I am your friend,” portraying trees kneeling to humans, hands extended in peace, begging not to be cut down. One dance performance paired students as tree roots and branches, showing the interconnection between nature and humanity.

These were not just creative choices—they were emotional statements. By embodying trees, students made us feel the pain of nature. That kind of empathy stays with you.

Many students carried on with their art and awareness projects after the event ended, without any prizes to motivate them. The message had truly taken root. 

Students Take the Lead

One of the defining principles of the Green City Clubs is that students are not just participants: they are leaders.

Each club established a leadership committee, including president, vice president, event coordinator and secretary. These roles come with responsibility. Students organize meetings, design activities, and mobilize their peers. They choose which environmental projects to pursue, from setting up recycling stations to planning tree-planting drives. This is not just about school credits—these students are taking responsibility for their environment and showing others the way.

At Kimisagara and other schools, students brainstormed original songs, sourced materials for costumes made of leaves and bark, and even wrote scripts about environmental justice. Given the space to lead, students led boldly. This approach flipped the traditional dynamic. Instead of adults teaching kids, it became a mutual learning journey; students educating communities, parents, and even government officials through their projects.

Inclusive Engagement 

By fostering genuine representation and fairness, the Green City Clubs did more than teach sustainability—they brought it to life, showing students how inclusion and climate action go hand in hand.

From the outset, gender equity was a priority. Each club election ensured balanced representation, resulting in 17 girls and 16 boys elected to leadership roles in all 16 schools engaged under the Green City Club Initiative. Two students with disabilities were also elected, ensuring that environmental action is accessible for all.
 

Moreover, participation in competitions and club activities was intentionally gender inclusive. From fashion showcases featuring both boys and girls in traditional eco-outfits, to poetry and dance duets, the project highlighted a truth often overlooked: everyone has a role to play in protecting the planet.

As one student poet boldly stated on stage, “A tree doesn’t choose who to shade, it protects all of us.”

Behind the Scenes

While students were the stars, none of this would have been possible without the steady support of school focal persons from each participating school.

They were with the students every day, organizing logistics, keeping schedules on track, making announcements, helping with rehearsals, and ensuring everything ran smoothly.

From coordinating club launches to setting up competition stages, focal persons were the project’s silent champions. They helped integrate the clubs into school life without disrupting academics, ensuring both educational quality and project success.

Perhaps more importantly, they became mentors, encouraging student creativity, celebrating small wins, and holding space for young leaders to grow.
 

What’s Next for Green City Clubs?

Building on the momentum of the environmental competition, the Green City Club's journey is now entering an exciting new phase of hands-on environmental action and strategic growth. 

In the months ahead, all the participating schools will plant trees, a cornerstone of the club's practical impact. Through the “Grow With Your Tree” care and monitoring campaign, students will take responsibility for the tree's health and survival, learning how to nurture green life from the ground up. It's a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship rooted in accountability and care. 

Additionally, the success of the environmental competition has sparked a growing interest in continued creative expression. More schools are now preparing for follow-up poetry, art, and performance showcases, providing platforms for students to express messages about climate change and the environment through talent and imagination. 

Beyond awareness, the clubs are expanding into student-led recycling programs and school greening projects. These initiatives empower learners to address everyday environmental challenges in schoolyards, from waste separation to the creation of eco-friendly zones. Perhaps most excitingly, the team is now working on a Green City Club toolkit, a practical guide designed to help more schools and students replicate the model. 

The vision is bold and clear: create a national network of youth climate champions who are not only aware of the environmental issues but fully equipped to inspire and to lead the response.

 

As we celebrate the achievements of SUNCASA’s first year, IISD also extends its heartfelt support to our colleagues in Johannesburg who have been facing severe storms and flash floods in the past few days. Moments like these reinforce the importance of our shared work in building more resilient cities that are better protected from the impacts of climate change. This sentiment came through loud and clear most recently when SUNCASA partners from 14 organizations reviewed progress made in the first year of the project at SUNCASA’s inaugural peer learning event (PLE) in Kigali.

More trees, fewer invasives, cleaner rivers

In Kigali, Rwanda, 60% of the agroforestry target for the project was achieved in 2024, with 820 hectares out of the 1,262-hectare goal planted with fruit trees. This addresses flood and landslide risks and will help with the future food security and enhanced livelihoods of local communities. Regarding urban tree planting, 94% of the goal was reached with 56,000 trees planted along roadways to increase canopy coverage and green corridors within the city, tackling urban heat and contributing to increased biodiversity. 

"In just 1 year, we have been able to achieve remarkable milestones," said Kigali’s Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva during the opening of the PLE. "We have made tremendous strides in urban greening. More importantly, we have ensured that these efforts directly benefit our communities by distributing 32,000 fruit trees to households, reinforcing the idea that sustainability and well-being go hand in hand."

In Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, 313,330 seedlings were planted during SUNCASA’s first year. Over 128,000 of those were planted as part of the afforestation efforts, recovering 60 hectares of bare land—more than half of the 105-hectare target. When it comes to agroforestry, the goal of 115.5 hectares was overachieved in just one year, with the planting of 142,600 trees on 131 hectares. Additionally, 14 hectares of buffer zones—56% of the project’s target—were created with over 42,000 trees and shrubs planted to protect the banks of the Dechatu River.

In Johannesburg, South Africa, where activities are much more concentrated in densely populated urban areas, 80% of the urban greening and buffer zones target was attained in 2024 with the planting of 6,324 trees. "SUNCASA partners have made incredible progress on our NbS targets during the first year of project implementation," said Janina Schnick, International Institute for Sustainable Development Project Lead. "Bringing everyone together in Kigali to exchange achievements, challenges, and learnings allowed them to optimize their approaches and interventions and maximize the project's impact. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish in year two of SUNCASA."

For Marc Manyifika, the World Resources Institute’s Lead for Urban Water Resilience, the first year of SUNCASA has showcased the transformative potential of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI)-responsive nature-based solutions—not only in strengthening climate resilience but also in promoting social inclusion and economic opportunity.

"Across Kigali, Dire Dawa, and Johannesburg, we’ve made remarkable progress—restoring landscapes, enhancing urban green spaces, and improving community well-being," said Manyifika. "What excites me most is that this is just the beginning. With the momentum we’ve built and the enthusiasm from communities and city leadership, SUNCASA is set to scale its impact even further in the years ahead, demonstrating that climate adaptation, biodiversity, and local livelihoods can go hand in hand."

"What excites me most is that this is just the beginning. With the momentum we’ve built and the enthusiasm from communities and city leadership, SUNCASA is set to scale its impact even further in the years ahead."

Marc Manyifika, WRI’s Lead for Urban Water Resilience

In its first year, SUNCASA both advanced NbS and strengthened local capacity through 11 training sessions for local partners. These sessions covered key topics such as urban NbS implementation, procurement, vulnerability and risk assessments, biophysical water monitoring, economic valuation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning, strategic communications, and GESI.

For GESI targets, SUNCASA collaborated with AVEGA Agahozo in Kigali, Hararghe Catholic Secretariat in Dire Dawa, and Gender CC in Johannesburg to deliver workshops for 694 community members, including women, men, youth, elders, local leaders, and people with disabilities. These workshops focused on addressing social and gender biases, promoting equitable participation in NbS planning and implementation, and encouraging shared decision-making within households.

These training sessions sparked discussions on marginalization, exclusion, and gender-based violence in the context of NbS and climate adaptation, fostering shifts in gender and social norms at the personal and family levels. SUNCASA is committed to protecting the rights of women and other underrepresented groups, ensuring that at least 50% of participants came from marginalized communities.

SUNCASA Year One in Numbers
 

Dire Dawa

• 313,330 seedlings planted.
• Afforestation: 128,550 trees planted, recovering 60 hectares of bare land—more than half of the 105-hectare target.
• Agroforestry: 142,600 fruit trees planted in 131 hectares, overachieving the project’s initial goal of 115.5 hectares.
• Buffer Zones: 56% of the target achieved with 42,000 trees and shrubs planted in 14 hectares.

Kigali

• Agroforestry: 60% of the project target achieved with 820 hectares out of the 1,262-hectare goal planted with fruit trees
• Urban Greening: 94% of the goal reached, with 56,000 trees planted along roadways to increase canopy coverage and green corridors.
• Gullies: Planting of 31,900 trees out of 46,000 in ravines.

Johannesburg

• Urban greening and buffer zones: 80% of the project’s target achieved with the planting of 6,324 tress in highly populated urban areas.
• Remove an alien species, Kikuyu grass, from two hectares.
• Development and installation of litter traps along the Jukskei River in Alexandra Township.

 Training sessions

• 11 training sessions for local partners, including urban NbS implementation, procurement, vulnerability and risk assessments, biophysical water monitoring, economic valuation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning, strategic communications, and GESI.
• Gender equality and social inclusion workshops for 694 community members, including women, men, youth, elders, local leaders, and people with disabilities.

From February 10 to 12, experts in NbS, climate change adaptation, gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), water systems, and data management drawn from governments and civil society organizations in Kigali, Johannesburg, and Dire Dawa will come together for the SUNCASA project’s peer learning event. The event will take place at the Mille Collines Hotel and will be opened by the Mayor of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, on February 10 at 9 am.

Experts will review the first year of the SUNCASA’s project’s activities, which included tree planting, invasive species removal, watershed restoration, and community workshops to set out strategies grounded on the lessons learned across the three cities.

"At the heart of this event is the opportunity to come together and learn from one another what works, what doesn't, for whom, and why. It's a chance to exchange, engage and reflect on the SUNCASA story so far across three very unique, dynamic African cityscapes,” explains Samantha Boardley, IISD’s climate adaptation specialist and one of the event’s lead facilitators. “It is an occasion so few projects or stakeholders make the time for, but one that offers so much not only to the project but to our broader understanding of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation."

The first year of SUNCASA in Kigali achieved significant results. Fruit trees and shrubs were planted in 820 hectares and urban green areas were expanded with 56,000 new trees. Other NbS actions, such as reforestation and afforestation, will kick off in March 2025.

In Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, implementing partners planted more than 313,000 seedlings in 2024, established new forests on 60 hectares, revitalized 131 hectares with 142,600 fruit trees, and created 14 hectares of buffer zones along the Dechatu River.

In Johannesburg, South Africa, the tree-planting activities started in December 2024, with more than 6,300 seedlings planted to expand urban areas and create buffer zones to protect the Jukskei River. Additionally, alien invasive species were removed from 2 hectares, and another hectare was strategically rehabilitated by planting indigenous species. In one of the crucial project sites, Alexandra Township, local communities are manufacturing litter traps from waste collected in the river, which will contribute to reducing watercourse pollution.

Launched in 2024, SUNCASA is a 3-year project developed and implemented in close collaboration with local organizations. Delivered by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the World Resources Institute (WRI), with funds from the Government of Canada, SUNCASA seeks to enhance resilience, gender equality, social inclusion, and biodiversity protection in urban communities in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and South Africa. The project aims to benefit 2.2 million people living in climate-vulnerable areas.

SUNCASA PEER LEARNING EVENT

Where: Mille Collines Hotel, 2 KN 6 Ave, Kigali

Available Interviews: 

• Lord Samuel Dusengiyumva, Mayor of Kigali
• Janina Schnick, Lead, SUNCASA Project
• Marc Manyifika, Country Lead for Urban Water Resilience, WRI Africa
• Project scientists and community leads are available for interview. (Please request in advance to confirm availability.)

QUOTES

“Climate change is a reality. As a matter of fact, this year alone (2024), in the month of September, Kigali recorded its highest urban heat in history. And if you look at the amount of rain we are having, we have to do something. And I have to say that it can only be done in a coordinated manner. SUNCASA project is an initiative that symbolizes not only progress but a shared vision for our city and our continent. Kigali has long been a city that embraces bold ideas and transforms them into tangible results.”

Lord Samuel Dusengiyumva, Mayor of Kigali

“SUNCASA partners have made incredible progress on our NbS targets during the first year of project implementation, and we are excited to bring them together in Kigali to exchange achievements, challenges, and learnings. This will allow them to optimize their approaches and interventions in the three SUNCASA cities and maximize the project's impact. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish in Year 2 of SUNCASA!”

Janina Schnick, Lead, SUNCASA, IISD

“The peer learning event is SUNCASA’s first milestone—after a year of implementation, it’s bringing together partners from all three cities to exchange lessons, share valuable tools, and inspire new approaches for advancing nature-based solutions and gender equality and social inclusion. From the ARCOS Network showcasing their approach to community engagement, Haramaya University spotlighting their research on soil moisture and GenderCC sharing their expertise in integrating gender & social inclusion, participants will have the chance to learn, collaborate, and spark new and innovative pathways for building more inclusive and resilient cities.”

Marc Manyifika, Urban Resilience Lead, World Resources Institute - Africa

SUNCASA IN NUMBERS

• 2.2 million people benefited from the NbS actions.
• CAD 29 million will be invested in NbS actions in the three cities.
• reforestation: 640 ha will be recovered with the planting of 1.4 million trees.
• afforestation: More than 1.5 million trees will be planted in 867 ha of degraded land.
• agroforestry: Over 500,000 fruit trees will be planted in an 885-ha area.
• 1,143 ha of buffer zones will be established to protect the riverbanks.
• 469 ha will be revitalized by removing alien invasive species and debris.
• Public green spaces will be expanded with the planting of 150,000 trees.
• Around 22,000 people from vulnerable communities will directly benefit from capacity-building and implementation activities.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Cesar Henrique Arrais

Senior Communications Officer, IISD

[email protected]

Eden Takele

Engagement & Communications Specialist, WRI Africa

[email protected]