As a Climate Finance Specialist, Mookho Mathaba knows that traditional financing often overlooked sustainable development, but the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is changing this approach. They aim to build Africa’s prosperity and promote the Just Transition by incorporating gender, environmental, and social aspects into infrastructure projects, creating a sustainable, low-carbon, resilient, and inclusive society.

Protecting nature’s beauty and benefits is crucial for both the present and future generations. The DBSA’s work embodies hope for a more sustainable future as individuals strive to make a difference in their communities and the world. By embracing a comprehensive approach to sustainability, the DBSA leads the way in creating lasting, positive change for Africa and beyond.

Asanda Khuzwayo is passionate about nature and the importance of protecting it for future generations. As part of her work, Asanda visits various projects financed by DBSA to promote biodiversity and encourage environmental and social sustainability. She believes that it is critical for people to understand the work that they do and to involve communities in their efforts.

By collaborating with municipalities, the private sector, and academics, DBSA aims to preserve ecological infrastructure and help communities adapt to climate change. Asanda and DBSA are working to create a more resilient and prosperous future by investing in sustainable development and involving communities in their work.

Ecological infrastructure directly benefits communities, and vulnerable groups are most affected when the environment is unhealthy. The DBSA’s Enviro-Champ program addresses this issue by employing people from informal settlements to become environmental stewards. Participants undergo a series of training exercises to better understand the natural environment and its importance.

Enviro-Champs like Nomandla Nqanula, carry out tasks like illegal dam cleaning, door-to-door education on environmental cleanliness, and emphasizing the scarcity of fresh water. They also monitor water leaks and sewer leakages and engage in biomonitoring. Through their involvement, these individuals transform into environmentally friendly ambassadors, actively contributing to the protection and preservation of their communities’ resources.

Pearl Gola, the Ecological Infrastructure Coordinator at SANBI, is part of the Umgeni Ecological Infrastructure Partnership. The Partnership, initiated by the DBSA and SANBI, aims to protect the Umgeni catchment from source to sea, focusing on integrated socio-ecological systems. In Mpopomeni, a vast wetland lies between the sewage treatment works and the dam. When the wastewater treatment plant failed, the wetland became degraded, impacting its ability to supplement the treatment process.

To address this issue, the partnership not only focused on rehabilitating the wastewater treatment works but also on restoring the wetland. This approach improved biodiversity and restored the wetland’s functionality. Emphasizing both ecological and social aspects, the partnership engaged with the community to build trust and raise awareness about the importance of the wetland for water security.