A Sustainable Asset Valuation Assessment of Nature-Based Solutions in the Jukskei River Catchment in Johannesburg

The Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) assessment of the SUNCASA project in Johannesburg's Jukskei River catchment finds that nature-based solutions—including riparian restoration, invasive species removal, and urban tree planting—provide significant net benefits. Over 25 years, these interventions are projected to generate USD 8.6 million in net benefits, with a return of USD 3.06 for every USD 1 invested and a cost recovery period of 7 years. The most significant economic return stems from improved water quality, which is expected to save USD 3.7 million in avoided health costs over 25 years.

• The nature-based solutions (NbS) implemented in the Jukskei River catchment are projected to generate USD 8.6 million in net benefits over a 25-year period, yielding a return of USD 3.06 for every USD 1 invested, with costs recovered within 7 years.
• Improving water quality provides the highest economic return of the interventions, with avoided health costs related to water pollution estimated at USD 3.7 million over 25 years.
• The SUNCASA project's interventions include the removal of invasive alien species, the planting of 46,000 urban trees, and riparian restoration across 469 hectares, alongside solid waste management and the creation of multifunctional green infrastructure.
• The restoration of riparian zones and the removal of invasive alien species contribute to reducing municipal management costs, protecting infrastructure, creating jobs, and enhancing long-term climate resilience.

APA

Kapetanakis,, M. (2026). A Sustainable Asset Valuation Assessment of Nature-Based Solutions in the Jukskei River Catchment in Johannesburg. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-solutions-johannesburg

Chicago

Kapetanakis,, Michail. A Sustainable Asset Valuation Assessment of Nature-Based Solutions in the Jukskei River Catchment in Johannesburg. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2026. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-solutions-johannesburg.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kapetanakis, |first1=Michail |title=A Sustainable Asset Valuation Assessment of Nature-Based Solutions in the Jukskei River Catchment in Johannesburg |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=18 March 2026 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-solutions-johannesburg |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kapetanakis2026sustainable, author = {Kapetanakis,, Michail}, title = {{A Sustainable Asset Valuation Assessment of Nature-Based Solutions in the Jukskei River Catchment in Johannesburg}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2026}, month = mar, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-solutions-johannesburg}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }