Page 14 - State of Biodiversity 2023-2024

12 STATE OF BIODIVERSITY REPORT 2023/2024
Embracing Nature-Positive Cities:
A Pathway for eThekwini’s Future
Nolwazi Ngcobo
Email: Nolwazi.Ngcobo@durban.gov.za
As cities rapidly expand, balancing urban growth with ecological preservation has become one of the defining challenges of our time. Recognizing the importance of this balance, eThekwini Municipality has taken a bold step by accepting the invite to join the World Economic Forum’s Nature-Positive Cities Initiative as a member, positioning Durban as one of the first five cities to lead this global movement towards a more sustainable urban future.
Figure 1: The World Economic Forum Logo. Source: World Economic Forum Accepts 100 New Startups In Technology Pioneers Community (carbonherald.com)
Figure 2: City of Durban. Source: istockphoto of Durban - Search (bing.com)
The initiative, launched as part of the broader Global Commission on Nature-Positive Cities, seeks to reverse nature loss and integrate biodiversity into the fabric of urban life. This involves a shift from merely aiming for net-zero emissions to creating cities that actively restore and regenerate nature. By participating in this initiative, eThekwini Municipality is not only committing to environmental resilience but also fostering a blueprint for other cities in South Africa and Africa.
The journey began on 18-24 September 2023, with eThekwini’s inclusion in the global commission. As part of the initiative, eThekwini Municipality undertook to continue its focus on the protection and management of ecological infrastructure and in making investment on community-based adaptation programs that enhance climate resilience. This aligns with the initiative’s core mission, protecting ecosystems and ensuring cities become not just neutral but contributors to ecological health.