Protecting against floods and landslides in a low-income neighbourhood

According to current climate change predictions, Salvador is likely to experience more extreme rainfall in years to come, resulting in more flooding and landslides. This challenge is exacerbated by poor quality and waste-blocked stormwater and drainage infrastructure. Salvador will also most likely face higher temperatures and heat waves.  

The low-income residents of Vila Mar are particularly exposed to these effects of climate change. By upgrading local infrastructure, this project will result in higher standards of living in the area. There will be reduced risks of landslides, reduced flood risk, improved accessibility, reduced urban heat, and improved access to public services, green spaces, and leisure areas.  

This project will utilise a range of nature-based solutions to reduce the severity of flooding and landslides, including water retention areas, natural riverbed rehabilitation, soil-strengthening vegetation, green areas for infiltration, and shading and paved slopes. By using nature-based approaches, this project will have added benefits of improving air quality, regulating humidity and temperature, and sequestering carbon dioxide. These nature-based solutions will tackle climate change whilst addressing biodiversity and land degradation. 

This innovative project has the potential to be transformative, improving the lives of low-income residents and setting a precedent for future interventions. The CFF will strengthen capacity in the city administration, empowering it to replicate this project in other communities, creating a climate-resilient future for all of Salvador’s residents.