Resilient Recovery: Financing Nature-based Coastal Solutions for Port Sudan’s Urban Infrastructure.

Coastal cities in fragile and conflict-affected states face unprecedented challenges in maintaining infrastructure and protecting ecosystems. In Sudan, Port Sudan has recently emerged as the temporary administrative capital, experiencing rapid urban pressure alongside heightened climate vulnerability. This research evaluates the integration of Nature-based Coastal Solutions (NBCS), such as coral reef and mangrove preservation, into the city’s urban recovery framework. Utilizing GIS and satellite-based geoscience monitoring, the study assesses the current state of coastal assets and their protective capacity. A major barrier to implementing these solutions is the financing gap and high perceived risk in fragile economies. This study explores innovative financial frameworks, specifically the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in providing 'patient capital' and de-risking investments for sustainable coastal infrastructure. By combining interdisciplinary financial modeling with environmental assessment, the research proposes a strategic roadmap for financing resilient coastal protection. The findings demonstrate that NBCS can significantly reduce infrastructure restoration costs while serving as a vital catalyst for long-term economic stability and post-conflict recovery.

Final results, including a detailed comparative cost-benefit analysis and quantified financial projections, will be presented at the conference. This will provide a rigorous evidence-based framework for integrating Nature-based Solutions into Port Sudan’s post-conflict urban recovery.