By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has welcomed the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) approval of a USD 40.1 million (over R700 million) grant for a project led by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
The investment will support the implementation of the project called, ‘Scaling up ecosystem-based approaches to managing climate intensified disaster risks in vulnerable regions of South Africa’, or the Eco-DRR project.
The GCF Board met in Papua New Guinea on 1 July 2025, to ratify funding for the Eco-DRR project which will span 8 years and is expected to have a 20-year impact on the communities in which it will be implemented. The project will directly benefit around 366,000 people and reach more than 5.1 million South Africans indirectly, particularly those living in areas most affected by floods, droughts, and wildfires.
This is aimed at bolstering infrastructure resilience, safeguarding livelihoods and enhancing adaptive capacity against climate change impacts.
“This is a monumental achievement for South Africa and a testament to Sanbi’s expertise as a Direct Access Entity to the GCF. The Eco DRR project will empower millions of our citizens, ensuring that we build a resilient future where nature and communities thrive together,” George says.
“By leveraging the power of ecosystems, this project not only mitigates disaster risks but also fosters inclusive growth and enviromental stewardship. It is a beacon of hope for a greener, stronger South Africa,” he adds.
The Eco DRR project aligns with South Africa’s National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and its vision of fostering a climate-resilient society.
The initiative is anticipated to deliver long-term benefits by integrating ecosystem-based approaches into national planning frameworks.
George extended his congratulations to Sanbi and all stakeholders involved, reaffirming the Department’s commitment to supporting the project’s successful implementation.