Centre on African Public Spaces’ Post

I watched Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE keynote address at the Climate Mobility Summit during the United Nations High Level Week highlighting the pressing climate issues in our country’s capital #Freetown, where the rapid growth of informal settlements and the associated public health emergencies are becoming increasingly concerning affecting our biodiversity. These challenges are fueled by both population growth and urbanization. On the idea of "removing the slums from the people instead of removing the people from the slums" emphasizes addressing the root causes of poverty and underdevelopment, rather than simply relocating people or destroying slum areas. Removing the slums from the people is a more sustainable, human-centered approach that empowers individuals and communities while improving their living conditions through Education and Skills Development, Economic Empowerment and Livelihood Opportunities, Improving Infrastructure and Basic Services, Community Participation in Urban Planning, Cultural and Social Inclusion, Climate Resilience and Green Solutions. Thank you, mayor, for the many strides in making our capital a sustainable and climate resilient city. And for the face-lift the city has experienced under your lordship. However, achieving a sustainable environment in Freetown requires additional actionable steps. One critical measure is accurately accounting for the movement of people into the city. Gathering data on the number of people relocating from rural areas, understanding the reasons behind their migration, and tracking where they settle are key factors that will inform urban planning, resource allocation, and public policy. This can be done by establishing City Migration Desk like it is done in Ghana #AccraMigrationDesk. This data will allow for better infrastructure development, service provision, and long-term strategic planning to accommodate the growing population while maintaining a livable, sustainable urban environment. #Climate #ClimateMobility #FreetownTheTreeTown IOM - UN Migration Global Centre for Climate Mobility

🏙️ The rise of new cities in #Africa is often seen as a quick fix to urban challenges, but it can lead to greater #exclusion and #inequality. 🌱 For instance, eco-cities are attracting global elites and investors. They are marketed as more #sustainable and healthy than existing ones, promise a greener future, and offer innovation in #RenewableEnergy. 💰 However, these projects are often too expensive for the population. The price for a two- or three-bedroom apartment in #Nigeria 🇳🇬’s Eko Atlantic is between $800,000 and $1,000,000. 🏘️ As a result, new cities lead to the privatization of services and land use modification to accommodate elite interests. 🔗 Learn more about this trend ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/e-YdmVsE #SDG16Plus #HousingJustice #LeaveNoOneBehind #HousingForAll #SDG11 #SustainableDevelopment

"Africa's rapid urbanization demands cities be ready to house a growing population decently." Robert Sangori, Director of Climate, Biodiversity and Food Systems. United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) With Africa's cities rapidly growing, the need for decent housing is more urgent than ever. We must prepare our urban areas to accommodate the rising population with dignity and care. #socialhabitatfortheregion #HabitatforHumanity #NationalHousingSymposium

Kenya, like many other countries, faces the dual challenge of rapid urbanization and environmental sustainability. As the population grows and cities expand, the demand for housing and infrastructure increases, putting pressure on natural resources and exacerbating climate change. In response to these challenges, sustainable real estate development has emerged as a viable solution. See more on sustainable development at https://lnkd.in/dvuS2a9U #SeeBeyond #SustainableDevelopment #RealEstate

SDG 11 aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, addressing issues such as urbanisation, access to basic services, and environmental degradation. Building sustainable cities and communities is essential for South Africa's future prosperity. By investing in urban infrastructure, promoting sustainable transportation, and enhancing green spaces, we can create cities that are inclusive, safe, and environmentally friendly. Let's build communities where everyone can thrive, now and in the future. #SustainableCities #UrbanDevelopment #CommunityBuilding

🌍 This World Environment Day, let's unite for a sustainable Africa. The 2024 theme, "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience," is deeply relevant to Africa. Spotlight on Kenya where desertification threatens livelihoods and ecosystems. We’ve seen the resilient communities fighting back with inspiring initiatives like agroforestry. And we must do more. Sustainable choices are crucial, yet often inaccessible or unaffordable. Our #SustainabilitySectorIndex study reveals: - 79% of Kenyans want to be more eco-conscious, but face financial barriers. - The desire for sustainability clashes with the rising cost of living – a dilemma across all countries surveyed in the Middle East and Africa. For businesses, this challenge is an opportunity. By collaborating on affordable, locally-tailored sustainable solutions, we can turn environmental hurdles into catalysts for growth and restoration across Africa. Let's not just protect our planet, let's empower communities to thrive within it. 🌱 Learn more about our Sustainability expertise 👉 https://bit.ly/3s7bedc and connect with Tamara Ojeaga and Astrid Ricketts. #WorldEnvironmentDay #Sustainability #Africa #Innovation 

As part of our responsibilities to the local community it has been critical for TERRAGRN to understand the local community infrastructure, assets and skills. Therefore last year we conducted a detailed ‘community asset mapping’ exercise within two conurbations and found that most of the peri-urban areas are informal settlements with limited infrastructure.    The key findings from this exercise within the two conurbations are:   Services •       Access to water is dependent on municipality bowsers bringing in water to some locations •       All areas lack adequate accessible sanitation infrastructure  •       There is no electricity in Zaaihoek, despite a number of new builds.   Health  •       No healthcare facilities within a 5 km radius •       Communities depend on a mobile clinic that visits once a month Education •       No early learning facilities and high schools within a 10 km radius in both communities •       Lack of skills agencies and inadequate support for Adult Basic Education Training (ABET) in both communities The interrelationship of agriculture, water, health, and education, and consequent impact on socio-economic development is undisputed and recognised by the World Health Organization, United Nations, OECD - OCDE, and many private companies who are trying to address one or more of these issues in developing countries; understanding that addressing the issues faced in one of these pillars can, in turn, start to help address the circular and interconnectedness of these pillars.  There are even a few courageous companies who appreciate the circularity and are trying to address the full spectrum.   At TERRAGRN, we are focusing on the ‘agri’ pillar, whilst corroborating with relevant parties and Foundations across the Continent, to try to impact and drive change across the other pillars in Africa and beyond.   Clearly to be successful and impact change in a meaningful way requires a joined-up effort of public and private institutions. It is recognised that developing the challenged rural communities, rather than forcing them to migrate to urban civilisations is the superior solution, thus reducing pressure on cities increasingly struggling with the influx whilst regenerating the countryside and agri potential of the rural communities and ultimately positively impacting climate change and socio-economic development in rural economies.   We believe Africa and the global south have an opportunity to act and support their rural communities now, but this needs to be a co-ordinated and collaborative approach. #LocalCommunities #Agriculture #Health #Education #Water #Infrastructure #CommunityAssetMapping #RuralCommunities #UrbanCommunity #GlobalSouth #Collaboration #SocioEconomicDevelopment #ClimateChange #Regeneration #RegeneratingTogether #SouthAfrica, #AfricanContinent #Africa #PeriUrban

On the first Monday of October, we join the world in observing #WorldHabitatDay—a time to reflect on the state of our cities and the fundamental right to adequate shelter for all. This year’s theme, "Engaging youth to create a better urban future," highlights the critical role young people play in shaping cities, especially in rapidly urbanizing regions like Africa. As urbanization accelerates, it's more important than ever to ensure youth are at the forefront of urban planning and development. Air Quality Systems East Africa, we believe that clean air and sustainable environments are key components of creating inclusive, resilient cities. Let’s work together with UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) to build a future where everyone can thrive. #SustainableCities #CleanAirForAll #YouthEngagement #AQS #UrbanFuture #WorldHabitatDay #SustainableCities #UrbanDevelopment #YouthForChange #FutureOfCities #ClimateAction #GreenCities #UrbanSustainability #CleanAirMatters #YouthEngagement

Oceania, is your city on the map? 🌍 If not, your voice is missing! We need more cities across Oceania to join the global conversation on civic engagement. If you do not spot your city on the map or country in the list, we urgently need you to fill the survey to safeguard SDG 11.3.2 from being removed from the Global Goals database. Fill out the SDG 11.3.2 survey and ensure your city’s story is part of our shared future. Let’s make sure every Oceanic city is represented—take action today! Link to the survey 🔗: https://lnkd.in/dr3DHPZC #OurCityPlans #UNHabitat #SDG1132 #SustainableCitiesOceania

🌿 Today marks the United Nations’s International Day for Biological Diversity and we’re thrilled to announce our participation in a new project to strengthen biodiversity and climate resilience in cities! Through the implementation of nature-based infrastructure, as well activities which engage and benefit women and vulnerable communities in Dire Dawa (Ethiopia), Kigali (Rwanda), and Johannesburg (South Africa), the SUNCASA project hopes to demonstrate a “triple win” for #climate, #society, and #biodiversity through #gender-responsive nature-based solutions. Working alongside colleagues at the International Institute for Sustainable Development, World Resources Institute, and with support from Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada, the Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre will be undertaking Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) assessments of all three cities – so watch this space! 🔎 Visit the SUNCASA website to find out more: https://lnkd.in/eYM4YRC3 #biodiversity #climateadaptation #genderequality #greeninfrastructure #naturalinfrastructure #resilience #nature #nbs #naturebasedsolutions #climatechange #watermanagement #greencities