Brazilian cities depend on integrated and scientifically based urban adaptation models to address stress and excess water. Through Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approaches, the project strengthens the adaptive capacities of vulnerable communities, supports systemic changes in urban water management, and promotes the development of climate-resilient cities and metropolitan regions.
The initiative contributes to operationalizing Brazil’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) related to NbS and climate adaptation actions and supports several government policies and programs aimed at sustainable and climate-adapted cities, focusing on seven metropolitan regions: Belém, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.
The project adopts a five-pronged approach:
- Participatory elaboration of climate adaptation strategies, based on data and involving metropolitan authorities, local governments and communities;
- Evidence-based pilot projects in selected regions, testing water-sensitive urban interventions;
- Strengthening institutional and peer-to-peer learning capacities
- Strategies to strengthen financing for climate adaptation projects
- Supporting climate adaptation governance from a metropolitan perspective
With this, the project contributes to the implementation of integrated water management and climate adaptation policies, promoting more inclusive, safe, and sustainable urban environments.