WASHINGTON, July 22, 2024 - The World Bank has approved an additional financing of US$9.175 million (just over CFAF 5.3 billion) provided by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for the Inclusive and Resilient Cities Project in the Central African Republic (PROVIR). This additional financing aims to improve access to climate resilient infrastructure in the cities of Bangui and Berberati by financing Nature-based Solutions, including the regeneration of urban forests and greening of streets and public spaces through tree planting.
As a result of this financing, approximately 300,000 persons in Bangui and Berberati—including vulnerable groups such as refugees, internally displaced persons, returnees, women, and youth—will benefit from improved living conditions and better access to infrastructure that protects them against the risk of flooding or erosion. The implementation of labor-intensive public works will create a targeted 3,500 temporary jobs.
« Ranking second in the world in terms of high vulnerability to climate change, the Central African Republic is exposed to numerous natural disaster risks that are exacerbated by deforestation and climate change » said Guido Rurangwa, Resident Representative for the Central African Republic. "Nature-based Solutions have great potential for the country. By combining these with grey infrastructure in Bangui and Berberati, they will increase rainwater retention capacity, reducing the risk of flooding and soil erosion. Their multi-purpose nature will also provide many livelihood opportunities ranging from forest products to fishing opportunities."
PROVIR is part of the World Bank's programmatic support to the urban development sector in the Central African Republic and adopts an integrated approach. It supports the World Bank Group's climate change and resilience agenda, including the Climate Change Action Plan (2021-2025), which aims to promote green, resilient, and inclusive development, and competitive cities.
Project preparation benefited from technical assistance and grants from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), City Climate Finance Gap Fund (Gap Fund), and NBS Invest.
