![Project Imifino in Gqeberha is one of four high-impact demonstration projects supported through the SAIA project. It focuses on a circular economy approach to integrate crop production and effluent treatment to create a profitable, sustainable local value chain from brewery wastewater treatment. This is a partnership project with ABinBev, Taylormade Water Solutions, Waterleau and SAIA. [Photograph provided by ABinBev]](https://cisp.cachefly.net/assets/articles/images/resized/0001160430_resized_unido.jpg)
South Africa’s economy is increasingly threatened by climate change impacts, resulting in scarcity of important natural resources.
To respond to these challenges, industries need to increase their efforts to remain competitive, save scarce natural resources, protect the environment and be prepared for the future.
As the country embarks on a just transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy, there is a clear window of opportunity for industries to make critical water and energy services more climate-resilient.
The Industry Climate Change Adaptation Project supports industries to address the barriers that are currently hampering an accelerated adoption of measures and technologies, and assists in the development of desirable pathways and more sustainable practices to transition to climate-resilient operations.
The project focuses on the water-energy nexus in the agro-processing sector. Specific activities include:
- Implementing and showcasing technology upgrades in pilot enterprises
- Strengthening the ability to develop and finance resilient capital investment projects in the green economy
- Stimulating and nurturing marketable green innovations
- Building capacity in industries, academia and the knowledge institutions to mainstream climate action.
Funded by the Government of Flanders, the project is implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), in collaboration with the National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa (NCPC-SA) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).
By embracing green technologies and sustainable practices, industries can enhance their competitiveness in both local and international markets, reduce their environmental footprint and create green jobs.
Conference on Climate Adaptation in Industry
UNIDO and its partners will be hosting a conference on Climate Change in the Industry at the Eskom Academy of Learning in Midrand on October 23 to October 24, 2024, bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sector to engage on this topic.
The conference will be held jointly with the annual SANEDI Energy Conference.
Under the theme “Climate adaptation as a catalyst for innovation and growth, expert speakers will explore the role of climate adaptation in enhancing the resilience of industry in the transition to a green economy, showcase current initiatives and explore future opportunities.
Register now at https://saia-project.co.za/
Attendance is free of charge, but seats are limited.
“By embracing green technologies and sustainable practices, we can unlock new industries and job opportunities, particularly in the renewable energy sector.” Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, Climate Resilience Symposium 2024
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