Nature Positive Cities Efforts to Advance the Transition Durban 2024

2 Assessment of enabling environment2.6 Stakeholder engagement Overview Durban has been undertaking various initiatives to engage a wider array of stakeholders within and across climate and nature spheres. The main activities conducted to date include: –Launch of the Environmental Education and Public Awareness Network (EEPAN), aimed at enhancing environmental education and raising public awareness of nature and climate-change topics24 –The promotion of citizen engagement through the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge, eco- tourism talks, newsletters, press articles and other actions Initiatives to communicate the importance of nature conservation, such as: –Convening the Biodiversity Forum –Publishing the D’MOSS Information Booklet –Implementing educational programmes on climate change in schools (e.g. EEPAN) –Continuing to publish the annual State of Biodiversity and Durban Climate Change Strategy annual reports, complemented by a new climate-change web portal Key NGO partnerships for the eThekwini Municipality include a collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT). This focuses on wetland habitats and amphibians and has helped to formally protect wetland systems and develop a conservation management and rehabilitation plan. Over time, the purpose of this initiative will be to rehabilitate the functionality of wetlands and the integrity of habitats. Source: eThekwini Municipality, Green Corridors. (n.d.). Environmental Education and Public Awareness Network Launched in Durban. Challenges identified –Limited coordination to communicate biodiversity and nature efforts to all stakeholders. –Limited engagement with citizens and organized groups and societies on nature. –Limited number of environmental stewardships for city officials and residents. Improvement areas –Explore international collaboration opportunities, such as joining the African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA) and forming alliances with neighbouring countries. –Use the Environmental Education and Public Awareness Network (EEPAN) for increased communication and advocacy on nature issues. –Integrate nature and climate topics into the Natural Resource Department’s educational programme to inform students on biodiversity and climate. –Boost engagement with NGOs and civil society, e.g. partnering with the Endangered Wildlife Trust for wetland protection. –Engage private companies affected by the cost of inaction, such as insurers, to create solutions. –Raise awareness of ecological conservation and nature restoration to engage the public. eThekwini Municipality public awareness campaigns Discover more here. Nature Positive: Cities’ Efforts to Advance the Transition 31