The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is working with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) and the National Disaster Management Centre to finalise a proposal on ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) disaster risk reduction measures to assist vulnerable municipalities across the country.
EBA entails the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services to help people adapt to the effects of climate change.
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu made the announcement during the 2021 United Nations EBA Symposium, held on June 23.
She said the proposal would contribute to climate-proofing municipalities amid the implementation of the District Development Model.
“Municipalities are pivotal to the fight against climate change,” she said.