The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) are joining forces to organize South Africa’s first Built Environment Climate Change Indaba. The two-day conference, taking place on August 31 to September 1, 2023, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, aims to address the urgent need for coordinated efforts in mitigating climate change’s impact on the built environment.
Addressing the Challenges of Climate Change-Related Disasters
Following recent climate change disasters in KwaZulu Natal, the Built Environment Climate Change Indaba is a crucial step forward in strengthening disaster prevention measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on communities. The theme of the Indaba, “Restoring Access-Rebuilding, Social-Cohesion and Healing of Communities through Social Infrastructure,” highlights the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders in the built environment sector.
Five Key Thematic Areas for Discussions
The conference will focus on five key thematic areas, including developing policies, regulations, incentives, and procurement regimes that prioritize emission reduction, incorporating climate change into future skilled built environment professionals’ curriculum, ensuring inclusivity and empowerment of vulnerable communities in climate change discourse, integrating indigenous knowledge into built environment practices, and examining the built environment sector’s contributions to the Presidential Climate Change Commission (PCCC).
Event Details
The Built Environment Climate Change Indaba will take place at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban and will start at 9 am. Lennox Mabaso, Head of Communications and Marketing at the DPWI, invites media and stakeholders interested in the conference to contact Bukiwe Cimela at 076 420 8184.
Advancing Sustainable Growth and Innovation
The Built Environment Climate Change Indaba is a significant milestone for South Africa’s DPWI and CBE and highlights the built environment sector’s critical role in addressing climate change globally. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the conference aims to create a more sustainable and resilient future for communities affected by climate change disasters.
A Platform for Positive Change
As the first of its kind, the Indaba sets a strong foundation for future events and continuous dialogue, innovation, and progression in the built environment sector. The Indaba’s focus on inclusivity, empowerment, and indigenous knowledge demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to combating climate change. Ultimately, the Built Environment Climate Change Indaba serves as a crucial platform for inspiring positive change and fostering sustainable growth in the face of global environmental challenges.
