Rapid urbanization in Africa is leading to a dramatic loss of urban forests and green spaces, directly impacting the environment and the quality of life for residents. In 2017, the World Bank revealed that the available green space per inhabitant was less than 1 square meter in many African cities, well below United Nations and World Health Organization standards of between 9 square meters and 30 square meters per inhabitant.
And yet, it is recognized that urban forests mitigate the effects of climate change. In the face of rising global temperatures, they not only absorb carbon, they can also cool the air in cities by up to 8 degrees Celsius and reduce the urban heat island effect, which can be deadly in the event of a heat wave. They can even offer protection against natural disasters such as floods and landslides.
This project will highlight the crucial importance of green spaces for the well-being of city dwellers, the reduction of pollution, and the management of natural disasters. This project also aims to encourage more sustainable and inclusive urban policies.
