WWF Calls for Increased Financial Flows and Private Investments Towards Nature Based Solutions

Posted on 18 June 2022

The call was made during the workshop at Radisson Blu Hotel organized by Chatham House in partnership with Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) under the theme; Towards Just Transition in Africa Green Financing for Urban Energy Solutions and Job Creation.

The event explored the major openings and potential impediments to the development of a just transition policy in Africa.

Speaking at the event, Regional Energy Officer at WWF Africa, James Kakeeto emphasized the need for much more investment in Nature Based Solutions and creation of jobs to the youths.

According to Kakeeto, over 1.2 billion jobs globally are in sectors such as fisheries, farming, and depend on sustainability of natural eco systems. Nature based solutions and therefore have high potential for creation of decent jobs because they increase immediate employment opportunities and build resilience.

“Nature Based Solutions can reduce costs of production, leading to increased productivity and efficiency in various sectors and industries. They as well create new livelihood opportunities in various sectors such as energy auditors, urban agriculture, forest and biodiversity and fisheries,” he noted.

Kakeeto added that Policy makers should therefore promote diverse portfolios of nature-based income benefits and nature-based solutions standards by leveraging sustainable finance access towards green cities, urban agriculture, leading to increased public employment.

Ahead of the ‘African COP27’ set to take place in Egypt in November 2022, there is a need for transformational strategic thinking and context-specific action from African governments, civil society, businesses and financiers in their green financing demands and national implementation plans.

Regional Energy Officer at WWF Africa, James Kakeeto presenting at the workshop.