NATIONAL NEWS - The spotlight will be on Cape Town when Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa leads the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Ministerial Outreach in the city next week.
The high-level gathering on 22 September is themed ‘Coastal Protection and Eco-Based Disaster Risk Reduction’.
It will demonstrate the urgent need for stronger coastal defences as rising seas, storm surges and erosion threaten cities worldwide.
According to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Cape Town’s own challenges — from frequent storms to erosion along the Green Point coastline — make it an ideal case study for showcasing innovative approaches to environmental and climate resilience.
“The Green Point coastline and Green Point Urban Park highlight both the risks and opportunities for urban resilience, underscoring the need for sustainable coastal protection that blends engineering with Ecosystem-based Approaches (EbA),” the department said.
The outreach will showcase disaster risk reduction strategies rooted in climate adaptation and risk-informed urban planning, aligning with South Africa’s G20 Presidency priorities. These include climate resilience, infrastructure investment, nature-based solutions, and inclusive resilience.
CoGTA said the programme is expected to:
- Build a shared understanding of coastal resilience as a global priority.
- Deliver policy recommendations to shape the G20 DRR Ministerial Declaration.
- Strengthen international cooperation through partnerships, joint research and innovative financing for resilience.
The event will also feature exhibitions of local disaster risk reduction projects, volunteer programmes, and community-based resilience efforts.
Participants will include the City of Cape Town Disaster Management Volunteer Corps, NGOs, private sector partners, the National Sea Rescue Institute, the South African Weather Service, the Langa Advice Forum, and other emergency and community organisations.
By hosting the outreach, South Africa aims to position itself as a leader in advancing practical solutions to the climate challenges under its G20 Presidency. – SAnews.gov.za
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