The City of Mariental, Namibia champions urban resilience through capacity building workshop
From 29 to 31 July 2025, Mariental Municipality, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the GIZ Resilience Initiative Africa (RIA), hosted a workshop focused on Urban Risk-Informed Development Planning and Making Cities Resilient. The event brought together nearly 50 participants representing local, provincial, and national government entities, persons with disabilities, NGOs, UN agencies, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
Situated along the Fish River in Namibia, Mariental has experienced repeated flooding over the years, particularly linked to the Hardap Dam, Namibia's largest reservoir. These floods have periodically overwhelmed the town, damaging homes and infrastructure and threatening livelihoods. Combined with the region's exposure to drought and increasing climate variability, these events have underscored the need for stronger local planning, preparedness, and resilience-building.
Throughout the three-day programme, participants explored the integration of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) into local governance, with a strong emphasis on inclusive, gender-responsive strategies. Key tools such as the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities and the 10 Essentials for Making Cities Resilient were used to assess the city's needs and to develop actionable local DRR plans in alignment with national strategies and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Participants engaging in group activity take a photo.
"Through the MCR2030 initiative, we will strengthen our capacity to manage disaster risks while promoting sustainable development." Announced Her Worship, Hon. Cllr. Cherien Shanley Kock, Mayor of Mariental
The workshop also created a vital platform for peer learning, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across sectors. Participants discussed challenges such as limited local capacity, the need for stronger political commitment, and the gaps in mainstreaming risk-informed approaches into urban development.
Mr. Paul Nghiwilepo, Chief Executive Officer, Mariental Municipality giving his speech
"This workshop is a turning point for Mariental. We've brought everyone to the table, from national to local authorities, because disaster risk reduction is a shared responsibility." Said Mr. Paul Nghiwilepo, Chief Executive Officer, Mariental Municipality.
This event formed part of the broader GIZ Resilience Initiative Africa, which supports African countries to build institutional capacities and implement integrated approaches to disaster and climate resilience. Rooted in the Sendai Framework and Africa's Agenda 2063, the initiative emphasizes inclusive urban development and cooperation at all levels.
By the end of the workshop, national and local officials were equipped with tools and frameworks to strengthen urban resilience, promote sustainable development, and better prepare for future risks, marking another step forward in Mariental's journey toward becoming a safer, more resilient city.