Green Climate Fund awards R700 million to South Africa for climate disaster resilience

MILLIONS of vulnerable South Africans stand to benefit after the country secured a multimillion-rand grant for eco-friendly disaster risk management.

It comes as the country grapples with changing weather patterns and the effects of climate change, which have caused widespread devastation and loss of life. 

This week the Green Climate Fund (GCF) approved a grant of just over USD 40 million (around R700 million) during its 42nd Board meeting, currently underway in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

The funding will support the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI) Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco DRR) project, which will be rolled out over the next eight years.

SANBI described the grant as a “landmark investment” for the implementation of its initiative, officially titled; Scaling up ecosystem-based approaches to managing climate intensified disaster risks in vulnerable regions of South Africa, or simply the Eco DRR project.

“The role of biodiversity in South Africa’s response to climate change is at the heart of this project,” said SANBI CEO Shonisani Munzhedzi. “Healthy ecosystems act as natural buffers against climate extremes, protecting lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods. This project represents a major step forward in climate adaptation financing for South Africa.”

Munzhedzi noted that SANBI’s accreditation as a Direct Access Entity of the GCF since 2016 has enabled it to unlock international climate finance, while advancing national priorities and building institutional capacity.

To date, SANBI and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) remain the only South African institutions accredited by the GCF.

The organisation said the eight-year project is expected to have a 20-year impact in the communities where it will be implemented. It is projected to directly benefit around 366,000 people and reach over 5.1 million South Africans indirectly—especially those living in areas hardest hit by floods, droughts, and wildfires.

Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said that, “The increasing frequency of floods, droughts and wildfires pose a serious threat to South Africa’s communities, especially those in rural and peri-urban areas.” 

"This investment will support our efforts to strengthen ecological infrastructure, reduce disaster risk, and build adaptive capacity where it is needed most.’”

George said the GCF’s approval was 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,” he said.

He added that by harnessing the power of ecosystems, the project would not only help reduce disaster risks but also promote inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. “It is a beacon of hope for a greener, stronger South Africa,” he said.

“As a Direct Access Entity, SANBI has showcased remarkable leadership in securing this substantial funding, marking a proud milestone for both the institute and the nation. The approval underscores South Africa’s dedication to sustainable development and climate resilience, positioning its institutions as key players in global climate action,” George added.

The Minister said the Eco DRR project aligns with South Africa’s National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy by integrating nature-based solutions into national planning frameworks for long-term impact.

He concluded by pledging his department’s continued support for SANBI and all stakeholders involved. “We will work tirelessly to ensure that the benefits of this initiative reach our most vulnerable communities, paving the way for a sustainable future,” he said.