Nature-based solutions Kigali

The Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) assessment of the SUNCASA project in Kigali finds that nature-based solutions—including afforestation, reforestation, agroforestry, riparian restoration, and urban tree planting—are highly cost-effective for climate adaptation. Over a 25-year period, these interventions yield a benefit-cost ratio of 2.09, with a payback period of 7 years. The primary benefits derive from reduced flood damage to urban infrastructure, alongside significant public health savings and a projected 30% increase in carbon storage (approximately 600,000 tons of carbon dioxide). The project targets 2,500 hectares across six micro-catchments and includes the planting of 85,000 urban trees to mitigate risks from extreme rainfall, heat, and soil erosion.

• Nature-based solutions (NbS) in Kigali provide a strong economic return, generating more than USD 2 in benefits for every USD 1 invested over 25 years, with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.09 and a payback period of 7 years.
• The most significant benefits of the NbS interventions are the reduction of flood damage to urban infrastructure, which protects critical road networks and hundreds of buildings.
• The SUNCASA project's ecosystem restoration is projected to increase carbon storage by approximately 600,000 tons of carbon dioxide, representing a 30% increase over current levels, while also reducing health costs by moderating urban heat and improving water quality.

APA

Kapetanakis,, M. (2026). Nature-based solutions Kigali. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-solutions-kigali

Chicago

Kapetanakis,, Michail. Nature-based solutions Kigali. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2026. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-solutions-kigali.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kapetanakis, |first1=Michail |title=Nature-based solutions Kigali |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=20 January 2026 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-solutions-kigali |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kapetanakis2026naturebased, author = {Kapetanakis,, Michail}, title = {{Nature-based solutions Kigali}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2026}, month = jan, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-solutions-kigali}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }