Coastal cities as sustainable economic centres

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In recent years, the coast of Inhambane province has been severely affected by extreme weather events such as cyclones and storm surges. In addition, heavy rain, spring tides and rising sea levels lead to frequent flooding in coastal towns, with negative effects on local livelihoods. Stabilizing the coast and protecting the population and existing municipal infrastructure from flooding are identified by the Mozambican partners as priority measures. Financing coastal protection measures not only improves the living conditions of the constantly growing urban population, but also increases the economic performance of the cities and the tourism potential of the ecologically valuable region. In addition, a contribution is made to increasing the resilience of cities to climate change (climate resilience). Climate-resilient urban development is also named as a priority field of intervention in Mozambique's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to achieve the Paris Agreement on climate protection ratified in June 2018. The measures will include the construction of sea walls, groynes and adjacent social infrastructure (drainage channels), as well as reforestation works. At the same time, the coastal cities will be supported in improving their capacities in coastal and urban planning (taking into account environmental and climate-related aspects), financial and contract management, as well as procurement, operations and maintenance in order to be able to provide services more sustainably and safely in the future. This is intended to strengthen the growing cities in their role as decentralized economic centers.