The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has welcomed the launch of the TrackAdapt Project, a groundbreaking climate adaptation initiative that will strengthen the Municipality’ s efforts to build a resilient, sustainable and climate-smart metropolitan city.
The project, implemented by the African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) at the University of Cape Town in partnership with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), has selected Nelson Mandela Bay and the City of Cape Town as case study sites to develop and apply innovative methods for measuring progress in climate adaptation at metropolitan level.
Executive Mayor Councillor Babalwa Lobishe said the Municipality is proud to be part of a project that will help shape the future of climate adaptation planning in South Africa.
“Nelson Mandela Bay is honoured to partner with leading local and international institutions on this important initiative. As a coastal metropolitan city, we continue to experience the effects of climate change through prolonged droughts, increasing pressure on our water resources, and the risks associated with coastal erosion. These challenges demand innovative, evidence-based solutions that will strengthen our resilience and protect our communities,” said Executive Mayor Lobishe.
The TrackAdapt Project will focus on two priority climate risks affecting Nelson PublicMandela Bay drought-induced water scarcity and coastal erosion and inundation, while adapting the Global Adaptation Progress Tracker (GAP-Track) methodology to the local government context.
Executive Mayor Lobishe said the project aligns with the Municipality’ s commitment to environmental sustainability, responsible governance and long-term infrastructure planning.
“Climate resilience is no longer optional, it is essential to the future growth and sustainability of our city. By strengthening our ability to monitor and evaluate climate adaptation, we are improving our capacity to protect critical infrastructure, safeguard our natural environment, support economic development and enhance the quality of life of all residents.”
She added that collaboration remains fundamental to addressing the impacts of climate change.
“The challenges posed by climate change require partnerships across government, academia, development agencies, the private sector and our communities. The TrackAdapt Project provides an important platform for knowledge sharing, innovation and collective action that will benefit not only Nelson Mandela Bay but also other cities facing similar climate challenges.”
The stakeholder launch marks the beginning of a collaborative process that will bring together experts and key stakeholders to introduce the project’ s methodology, identify priority adaptation actions and strengthen coordination on climate resilience initiatives.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality looks forward to the outcomes of the TrackAdapt Project and remains committed to implementing sustainable solutions that will ensure a resilient, inclusive and prosperous future for current and future generations.
