Towards implementing urban Nature-based Solutions in Zambia

The policy brief focuses on implementing urban Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Zambia to address climate-related challenges such as floods, flash floods, and droughts, which are increasingly impacting cities like Lusaka. NbS—such as bio-retention basins, permeable pavements, and urban gardens—offer significant benefits over conventional grey infrastructure by improving stormwater retention, reducing flood risks, and enhancing water security. They also provide co-benefits like biodiversity enhancement and food production.

To scale NbS implementation, Zambia needs enabling environments, including investment cases, policy integration, and capacity building. Key leverage points include the National Green Growth Strategy (2024–2030) and the National Adaptation Plan (2023). Recent funding, such as the $34 million endorsement by the Climate Investment Fund, highlights growing support for NbS. However, challenges like limited water availability, soil conditions, and the limits of NbS under extreme climate scenarios must be considered.

This policy brief was developed in the context of the project “Implementation of Urban Nature-based Solutions for Mitigation and Adaptation” funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (Danida).