Nature and its contributions to African cities: Importance, challenges and opportunities
Relevant to the establishment of solutions dependent on nature is development of a critical understanding of the relationship between nature and human societal challenges and needs, with additionally a clear elaboration of ecosystem services. Biodiversity is a key component in harnessing the integrity and functionality of ecosystem services.
According to Patrick O’Farell, an Independent researcher, little is known about levels of sustainable reliance on nature and its derivatives in the essence of ecosystem services. An assessment shows a significant decline in biodiversity and natural heritage. All these are fast driven by anthropogenic influences; inclusive of high pressing population growth rates, pollution and many more. Eminently, societal challenges are seemingly overwhelming the natural potential of ecosystems to provide their associated services.
Adoption of nature based solutions within cities has been identified to address a wide range of societal challenges; climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, economic and social development, human health, food security, water security and environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. A great deal of emphasis thus should be put on practical nature based solutions so as to boost greening and eco-friendly cities across the African continent.
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