Sustainable Urban Development and Resilience – Local Climate Actions
17-12-25
Read and watch videos of the takeaways of four participants in the Sustainable Urban Development and Resilience – Local Climate Actions training programme.
The programme is part of Danida Fellowship Centre’s series of learning programmes for urban planners and practitioners in African cities. Read more
Zaratiana Rakonia, Deputy Mayor in charge of administrative and financial affairs in the Urban Municipality of Antananarivo
“The nature-based solutions in Denmark are inspiring and can help us improve how we manage our city.”, Zaratiana Rakonia
Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar, and our main challenges are linked to rapid population growth and climate change. First, waste management remains a major issue. We produce about 1,900 tons of waste every day, but we can only collect half of it, and our landfill is already at capacity. Second, the rapid growth of the city has led to many informal settlements, heavy congestion, and weak infrastructure. Our roads and drainage systems are not resilient, and we experience flooding at least once a year. Third, we face challenges related to civic engagement, including corruption and vandalism.
This learning course has been an opportunity to gain new ideas from Copenhagen and from the many countries represented here. The nature-based solutions in Denmark are inspiring and can help us improve how we manage our city. I also hope to strengthen our professional network as we finalize our new four-year strategic plan for the municipality. This experience comes at the right time.
Oryza Graza, Councilor for Waste Management, Pemba City, Mozambique
“I hope to take back water-storage solutions and green–grey infrastructure ideas that can be adapted to Pemba’s reality”, Oryza Graza
Pemba is a small coastal city facing many challenges from climate change and rapid urbanization. We face severe coastal erosion, which is made worse by our old drainage system and roads. With rapid population growth, we also struggle with deforestation, waste management, and pressure on schools and hospitals.
Here in Copenhagen, I’m impressed by the city’s resilience, especially how it manages surplus rainwater and uses nature-based solutions. The combination of green and grey infrastructure, as well as the excellent mobility system, is inspiring.
I hope to take back water-storage solutions and green–grey infrastructure ideas that can be adapted to Pemba’s reality.
Sopna Kumar-Nair, Urban designer, East London, South Africa
“Public spaces, parks, and facilities are designed with people at the center, creating a truly livable urban environment”, Sopna Kumar-Nair
The main urban challenges in my city, East London, South Africa, is rapid urbanization and the informal settlements that comes with it. Too many people have poor access to housing and public services, making them very vulnerable to climate challenges like heatwaves, floods, and water shortages.
My main takeaway from the course is how quickly Denmark has developed to embrace climate change challenges. For example, the 2011 floods led to comprehensive flood management plans. I also find Denmark’s urban design inspiring. Public spaces, parks, and facilities are designed with people at the center, creating a truly livable urban environment. As an urban designer, I find it very motivating.
Cheik Ely Brahim, Administrative and Financial Manager, Nouakchott, Mauritania
“My main takeaway from the course in Denmark is the importance of integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning from the very beginning”, Cheik Ely Brahim
The main urban challenges in my city, Nouakchott are climate-related risks such as coastal erosion, land degradation, and increasing pressure from urbanization. These challenges affect economic development, youth opportunities, and the overall resilience of the city, especially as climate impacts continue to intensify.
My main takeaway from the course in Denmark is the importance of integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning from the very beginning. Denmark’s approach shows how urban development, climate adaptation, and resilience can work together through systems thinking, urban greening, and sustainable mobility. I am inspired by how these solutions are implemented in partnership with local stakeholders and how it has made Copenhagen both resilient and an easy place to live in for its citizens.
Go back to our stories
