• Overview
  • Agenda

Date 8 April 2026 

Time: 9:30 AM to 12:15 PM CET 

Location: Palazzo San Giorgio, Genoa, Italy, and online 

Register to attend in person or online. 

Join us on for the launch event of the "Nature-Based Solutions Innovation Accelerator (NBS-IA)" Initiative, an inter-agency initiative funded by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 

Infrastructure is the backbone of economies, yet it is highly vulnerable to intensifying climate risks. An estimated 14 per cent of global GDP growth is at risk annually due to climate-related infrastructure losses. With nearly US$100 trillion in sustainable infrastructure investment needed by 2040, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) offer a cost-effective, resilient pathway—working alongside critical infrastructure to buffer climate risks and enhance long-term resilience. 

In line with Italy's "Mattei Plan", the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, in collaboration with UNEP, is launching the call for proposals for pilot projects that enhance the climate resilience of port and logistics infrastructure. 

The call will be open on 8 April 2026 to six African countries: Algeria, Angola, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania. 

The webinar will offer public and private sector stakeholders the opportunity to learn more about the call for proposals. Submitted proposals are expected to showcase innovative sustainable Sustainable Port and Logistics Infrastructure through NbS that advance the uptake of Nature-based Solutions in port and logistics infrastructure, including marine and coastal protection, vegetated habitats, hybrid infrastructures, and sustainable sediment management. The session will provide information on the terms of reference for pilot projects, eligible typologies, application process and timeline, and selection criteria. 

Contact: nbs-ia@un.org 

Moderator: Alessandra Fidanza, Senior Expert, Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) 

Welcome Coffee and Registration (in person only) 

Opening Remarks 

  • Matteo Paroli, President, Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority 
  • Alessandro Guerri, Director General, MASE 
  • Mirey Atallah, Head of Adaptation Branch, Climate Change Division, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (virtual) 

Technical Perspectives: Sustainable Port and Logistics Infrastructure through NbS in Africa 

  • Prof. Giovanni Satta, Associate Professor of Economics and Business Management at the Department of Economics, University of Genoa 
  • Ala Al Dwairi, Natural Infrastructure Officer, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (virtual) 

OECD Policy Snapshot: Working with Nature to Increase Resilience of Port and Logistics Infrastructure in Africa 

  • Takayoshi Kato, Manager, Water-Energy-Land Use Nexus in Central Asia Programme, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 

Coffee Break (in person only) 

Overview of the Call for Proposals 

  • Zhengzheng Qu, Programme Manager, UNEP 
  • Q&A Session 

Conclusions 

  • Alessandro Guerri, Director General, MASE