ClimAdapt

The specific problem that Climadapt is addressing is the growing vulnerability of urban areas in Tanzania to the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, urban flooding, and coastal erosion.

Globally, climate change is disproportionately impacting up to 3.6 billion people living in highly vulnerable contexts, facing threats such as extreme heat, flooding, and droughts. In Tanzania, this problem is particularly acute, as over 70% of the population depends on rain-fed agriculture and natural resources, making them highly susceptible to the effects of climate change.

Within Tanzania, the country's rapidly growing urban centers, such as Dar es Salaam, are on the frontlines of this crisis. In Dar es Salaam, annual temperatures have increased by 1.6°C since 1960, and the city experiences regular flooding during heavy rains, impacting over 500,000 residents. Rapid urbanization has exacerbated these challenges, with the loss of over 30% of green spaces and natural ecosystems that could buffer climate impacts.

Currently, 35% of Tanzania's population lives in urban areas, a figure projected to reach 50% by 2050. This underscores the urgent need for sustainable, climate-adaptive solutions to enhance urban resilience. Without intervention, the impacts of climate change will continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions of Tanzanians, particularly those living in vulnerable urban communities.

The factors contributing to this problem include the loss of natural ecosystems, the strain on aging infrastructure, and the lack of integrated, nature-based approaches to climate adaptation in urban planning. Addressing these challenges is crucial not only for Tanzania but also for other rapidly urbanizing regions in Africa and globally that face similar threats from the climate crisis.

Climadapt's solution is an innovative, nature-based approach that regenerates urban landscapes to address climate risks while improving livability and well-being for residents. Our solution integrates cutting-edge technologies with traditional ecological knowledge to create self-sustaining, climate-adaptive urban landscapes.

At the core of our solution is the use of AI-powered design tools and remote sensing data to model future climate scenarios and optimize landscape configurations tailored to local climate risks. This allows us to design and implement targeted, nature-based interventions that enhance urban resilience.

For example, in drought-prone areas like Dar es Salaam, we have pioneered "Sponge Neighborhoods" that mimic nature's water cycle. These neighborhoods feature permeable pavements, bioswales, and constructed wetlands that capture and filter up to 80% of storm water runoff, reducing urban flooding while recharging groundwater reserves. We also integrate edible forest gardens with drought-hardy indigenous species like baobab, neem, and moringa, which provide nutritious food for over 2,500 households while offering shade and cooling through evapotranspiration.

In coastal areas vulnerable to sea-level rise and storm surges, we combine living shorelines using mangrove ecosystems with hybrid green-grey infrastructure like eco-revetments and oyster-based breakwaters. This approach has successfully restored over 5 kilometers of coastline in Dar es Salaam, shielding communities from erosion and flooding while sequestering blue carbon.

Climadapt's holistic approach doesn't just green the city – it equips urban areas with nature's resilience mechanisms. Our designs have enhanced biodiversity, creating habitat corridors that support over 120 species of pollinators, birds, and urban wildlife. Smart soil management and composting initiatives have diverted over 3,500 metric tons of organic waste from landfills while regenerating soil health across 12 acres of urban landscapes.

Importantly, we prioritize inclusive co-design by embedding community members and Indigenous groups in the planning process through participatory mapping and modeling, with over 143 residents actively engaged in our pilot projects. Local job creation, climate education, and stewardship programs ensure sustainable, equitable climate adaptation, providing skill training to youth and employing community members in green jobs.

With pilot projects across 12 acres in Dar es Salaam, Climadapt has demonstrated the feasibility and scalability of this solution, with plans to expand to 31 hectares by 2028. Our open-source knowledge hub shares best practices, facilitating replication across Africa's rapidly urbanizing regions and contributing to Tanzania's climate adaptation goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Climadapt's solution primarily serves the residents of Tanzania's rapidly growing urban areas, particularly the most vulnerable communities that are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change.

In Tanzania, over 70% of the population depends on rain-fed agriculture and natural resources, making them highly susceptible to the impacts of rising temperatures, urban flooding, and coastal erosion. This vulnerability is exacerbated in urban centers like Dar es Salaam, where over 500,000 residents are affected by regular flooding events.

Within these urban areas, the most vulnerable populations are often those living in informal settlements and low-income neighborhoods, which lack access to basic services and infrastructure. These communities are the most exposed to climate risks and the least equipped to cope with the consequences.

Climadapt's nature-based solution directly addresses the needs of these underserved populations in several ways:

1. Flood Mitigation and Water Security: Our "Sponge Neighborhoods" capture and filter up to 80% of stormwater runoff, reducing urban flooding and recharging groundwater reserves. This directly improves the lives of residents by protecting their homes, businesses, and infrastructure from the devastating impacts of flooding.

2. Food Security and Nutrition: The integration of edible forest gardens with drought-hardy indigenous species provides a reliable source of nutritious food for over 2,500 households, enhancing food security and improving health outcomes.

3. Coastal Protection and Livelihoods: Our hybrid green-grey infrastructure, such as living shorelines and oyster-based breakwaters, have restored over 5 kilometers of coastline in Dar es Salaam, shielding vulnerable communities from erosion and flooding while supporting local livelihoods in the blue economy.

4. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Climadapt's nature-based interventions have enhanced urban biodiversity, creating habitat corridors that support over 120 species of pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. This benefits the entire community by restoring ecosystem services and improving overall environmental quality.

5. Inclusive, Equitable Climate Adaptation: By embedding community members and Indigenous groups in the planning and design process, Climadapt ensures that our solutions are tailored to the unique needs and cultural practices of local residents. This, combined with our job creation, climate education, and stewardship programs, enables sustainable, equitable climate adaptation.

By addressing the root causes of urban climate vulnerability, Climadapt's solution has the potential to meaningfully improve the lives of millions of people across Tanzania's rapidly urbanizing regions, particularly the most underserved and marginalized communities. Our scalable, replicable model can serve as a blueprint for creating more resilient, nature-positive cities in the face of the global climate crisis.

Climadapt's team is uniquely positioned to design and deliver this nature-based solution to address the climate vulnerability of Tanzania's urban communities.

The team is led by Faith Kuya, a civil engineer with over 15 years of experience in urban planning and resilience projects across Tanzania. Faith was born and raised in Dar es Salaam and has a deep understanding of the city's climate challenges and the needs of its diverse communities.

Rhoda Juma, our Chief Landscape Architect, is a native of Mwanza and has worked extensively with local authorities and community groups to integrate traditional ecological knowledge into urban design. Her expertise in creating climate-adaptive, biodiversity-rich landscapes is a cornerstone of Climadapt's approach.

Monica Japhet, our Head of Community Engagement, is from Kilimanjaro and has a long history of collaborating with marginalized groups, including informal settlement residents and Indigenous communities, to ensure their voices are central to the planning and implementation of urban development projects.

Asha Lazaro, our Data Scientist, was born and raised in Dar es Salaam and has a strong background in using remote sensing and AI-powered modeling to support climate adaptation strategies tailored to local contexts.

Michael Nkya, our Coastal Restoration Lead, is from Tanga and has over a decade of experience working with coastal communities to implement nature-based solutions for shoreline protection and blue carbon sequestration.

Collectively, our team's deep roots in Tanzania's diverse regions, coupled with their technical expertise and commitment to inclusive, community-driven design, have been instrumental in shaping Climadapt's solution.

From the outset, we have embedded community members and Indigenous groups in the planning and implementation of our pilot projects through participatory mapping, co-design workshops, and ongoing feedback mechanisms. Over 143 residents have actively engaged with us, sharing their lived experiences, traditional ecological knowledge, and aspirations for more resilient, livable cities.

This community-centered approach has not only ensured that our solutions are tailored to the unique needs and cultural practices of local residents but has also fostered a sense of ownership and stewardship. Our job creation, climate education, and community-led maintenance programs reinforce this, providing skill-building opportunities and long-term employment for youth and marginalized groups.

By centering the voices and leadership of those most impacted by the climate crisis, Climadapt's team is uniquely positioned to deliver a transformative, nature-based solution that can meaningfully improve the lives of Tanzania's urban communities. Our deep local knowledge, technical expertise, and commitment to inclusive co-design set us apart as the ideal partners to address the pressing climate challenges facing the country's rapidly growing cities.

Climadapt is currently in the pilot stage, having launched our nature-based solution in several communities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Over the past two years, we have implemented pilot projects across 12 acres of urban land, directly serving over 2,500 households through our "Sponge Neighborhoods" and edible forest garden initiatives. These projects have demonstrated the feasibility and impact of our approach, reducing urban flooding by up to 80% and providing a reliable source of nutritious food for participating communities.

Additionally, our coastal restoration efforts have successfully rehabilitated over 5 kilometers of shoreline in Dar es Salaam, shielding vulnerable communities from the impacts of erosion and storm surges. These living shorelines, combined with hybrid green-grey infrastructure, have sequestered significant amounts of blue carbon while supporting local livelihoods in the blue economy.

Importantly, Climadapt has prioritized inclusive, community-driven design from the outset. Through participatory mapping, co-design workshops, and ongoing feedback mechanisms, we have actively engaged over 143 residents, including members of informal settlements and Indigenous groups, in the planning and implementation of our pilot projects. This has ensured that our solutions are tailored to the unique needs and cultural practices of local communities.

Our pilot phase has also allowed us to refine our technical approach, integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI-powered design tools and remote sensing data to optimize landscape configurations for climate resilience. We have built a strong team of civil engineers, landscape architects, data scientists, and community engagement specialists to drive this work forward.

While we have demonstrated the feasibility and impact of our nature-based solution, we are still iterating on our business model and refining our strategies for scaling up. To date, we have secured seed funding from local impact investors and are actively seeking additional grant support to expand our work to 31 hectares across Dar es Salaam by 2028.

Given the positive results of our pilot projects, the strong community engagement, and our plans for future growth, Climadapt is well-positioned to move to the next stage of development and continue making a meaningful impact on urban climate resilience in Tanzania.

As Climadapt continues to expand our nature-based approach to enhancing urban climate resilience in Tanzania, we are seeking support from the Solve community to help us overcome several key barriers we face.

One of the primary challenges we encounter is the lack of awareness and buy-in from local policymakers and urban planners regarding the value of integrating nature-based solutions into mainstream development and infrastructure projects. Despite the demonstrated benefits of our approach, there is still a preference for traditional, grey infrastructure solutions that are often less effective in the long run. We believe that partnering with Solve can help us access critical knowledge, networks, and advocacy support to better engage with key decision-makers and influence urban planning policies in Tanzania.

Additionally, while we have successfully secured seed funding from local impact investors, the need for additional resources to scale our projects across Dar es Salaam and beyond remains a significant barrier. The $10,000 prize from the Solve challenge would be invaluable in helping us expand our existing pilot sites, refine our business model, and ultimately reach more communities in need. Beyond the financial support, the visibility and credibility that comes with being a Solver team would also open up new funding and partnership opportunities that could catalyze our growth.

Another key challenge we face is the need to further develop our technical capabilities, particularly in areas like advanced climate modeling, remote sensing, and AI-powered design optimization. Connecting with Solve's network of experts, academics, and technology partners could provide us with access to cutting-edge tools and knowledge that would enhance the efficacy and scalability of our nature-based solutions.

As we continue to prioritize inclusive, community-driven design, we recognize the importance of strengthening our cultural competence and engagement strategies. Solving's vast network of global innovators and social impact leaders could offer valuable insights and best practices to help us better navigate the unique cultural contexts and power dynamics within the communities we serve.

Climadapt's nature-based solution is innovative in its holistic, technology-enabled approach to enhancing urban climate resilience in Tanzania. Rather than relying solely on traditional, grey infrastructure, our solution integrates cutting-edge tools and ecological principles to create self-sustaining, climate-adaptive urban landscapes.

The core innovation of our approach lies in the way we leverage AI-powered design software and remote sensing data to model future climate scenarios and optimize landscape configurations for maximum impact. By integrating this advanced technology with traditional ecological knowledge, we are able to design targeted, nature-based interventions that are tailored to the specific climate risks faced by local communities.

For example, our "Sponge Neighborhoods" feature a combination of permeable pavements, bioswales, and constructed wetlands that mimic the natural water cycle. This not only reduces urban flooding by capturing and filtering up to 80% of stormwater runoff, but also recharges groundwater reserves – a critical resource in water-stressed cities like Dar es Salaam. This innovative approach to urban water management offers a significantly improved solution compared to traditional, grey drainage systems that often fail to address the root causes of flooding.

Furthermore, our integration of edible forest gardens with 45 drought-hardy indigenous species provides a reliable source of nutritious food for over 2,500 households, enhancing food security and improving health outcomes. By combining food production with climate adaptation, we are able to deliver a multifunctional solution that addresses several interconnected challenges facing urban communities.

Beyond the technical innovation, Climadapt's solution is also pioneering a new model of inclusive, community-driven climate adaptation. By embedding over 143 residents and Indigenous group members in the planning and design process, we ensure that our interventions are responsive to the unique needs and cultural practices of local communities. This community-centered approach not only fosters a sense of ownership and stewardship but also serves as a blueprint for more equitable, sustainable climate action.

As Climadapt's nature-based solutions continue to demonstrate their effectiveness in Dar es Salaam, we believe they have the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in the urban climate resilience landscape. Our open-source knowledge hub and partnerships with local authorities and academic institutions will enable the replication and scaling of our approach across Tanzania and beyond, contributing to the country's climate adaptation goals and the broader global effort to create more resilient, nature-positive cities.

Climadapt's nature-based solution is designed to have a direct and measurable impact on enhancing the climate resilience of Tanzania's urban communities. Our theory of change is grounded in the following key elements:

Activities:
1. Implement "Sponge Neighborhoods" featuring permeable surfaces, bioswales, and constructed wetlands to capture and filter stormwater, recharge groundwater, and mitigate urban flooding.
2. Restore coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and coral reefs, to shield communities from sea-level rise and storm surges.
3. Integrate edible forest gardens with drought-tolerant, indigenous plant species to provide a reliable source of nutritious food and improve food security.
4. Engage local residents, including those from informal settlements and Indigenous groups, in the co-design and implementation of these nature-based interventions.

Outputs:
1. Reduced urban flooding by up to 80% in pilot neighborhoods through improved stormwater management.
2. Enhanced coastal protection, with 5 km of shoreline restored to buffer against erosion and storm events.
3. Increased food security for over 2,500 households through the production of nutrient-dense crops in edible forest gardens.
4. Strengthened community ownership and stewardship of climate adaptation efforts through inclusive, participatory design processes.

Outcomes:
1. Improved climate resilience and reduced vulnerability of urban communities to the impacts of extreme weather events, such as flooding and coastal erosion.
2. Increased food and water security, contributing to overall human health and well-being.
3. Enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, that support the long-term sustainability of urban environments.
4. Empowered local communities, particularly marginalized groups, with the knowledge and skills to be active participants in climate adaptation efforts.

The evidence supporting the efficacy of this theory of change comes from our successful pilot projects in Dar es Salaam, where we have already achieved the targeted outputs. For example, our "Sponge Neighborhoods" have reduced flooding by up to 80%, as confirmed by on-site monitoring and community feedback. Similarly, our coastal restoration efforts have demonstrated the ability to shield vulnerable communities from the impacts of sea-level rise and storm surges, as evidenced by reduced property damage and erosion rates.

Furthermore, our integrative approach to food production and climate adaptation has been validated by the positive health and nutritional outcomes reported by participating households, as well as the high levels of community engagement and ownership we have fostered through our inclusive design process.

By building on these proven results and expanding our nature-based solutions across Dar es Salaam and beyond, Climadapt is confident in our ability to drive meaningful, long-term impact on the climate resilience of Tanzania's urban communities.

Climadapt's primary impact goal is to enhance the climate resilience of 1 million urban residents in Tanzania by 2028 through the implementation of our nature-based solutions. We are measuring progress towards this goal using the following key indicators:

1. Reduced urban flooding and property damage:
   - Percentage of target neighborhoods experiencing a reduction in flood events and associated property damage (target: 80% reduction)
   - Total volume of stormwater runoff captured and managed by Sponge Neighborhood interventions (target: 10 million cubic meters per year)

2. Improved food and water security:
   - Number of households with increased access to nutritious, drought-tolerant food crops (target: 50,000 households)
   - Groundwater recharge rates in areas with Sponge Neighborhood interventions (target: 30% increase)

3. Enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem services:
   - Number of indigenous plant and animal species supported by Climadapt's nature-based solutions (target: 150 species)
   - Estimated annual carbon sequestration by Climadapt's urban forests and coastal ecosystems (target: 50,000 metric tons of CO2)

4. Increased community engagement and ownership:
   - Number of residents, including those from informal settlements and Indigenous groups, actively participating in the co-design and implementation of Climadapt's solutions (target: 10,000 participants)
   - Percentage of target communities reporting high levels of satisfaction and ownership with Climadapt's interventions (target: 85%)

To measure progress towards these impact goals, Climadapt has established a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework that combines on-site data collection, remote sensing analysis, and community feedback mechanisms. 

This includes:

- Quarterly monitoring of flood levels, stormwater runoff, and groundwater recharge in pilot neighborhoods
- Biannual biodiversity surveys and carbon stock assessments of our urban forests and coastal ecosystems
- Continuous collection of household-level data on food security, nutrition, and livelihood impacts
- Regular community workshops and feedback sessions to gauge satisfaction and ownership

By aligning our impact goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), we are able to contribute to Tanzania's broader climate adaptation and sustainable development priorities.

Climadapt's rigorous approach to monitoring and evaluation, combined with our ambitious yet achievable impact goals, will enable us to track our progress, demonstrate our solution's effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions to maximize our long-term impact on urban climate resilience in Tanzania.

At the core of Climadapt's nature-based solution is the innovative integration of cutting-edge technology and traditional ecological knowledge. By leveraging the power of AI, remote sensing, and data-driven design, we are able to create climate-resilient urban landscapes that are tailored to the unique needs and environmental conditions of Tanzania's cities.

The backbone of our technology-enabled approach is a proprietary AI-powered design tool that allows us to model future climate scenarios and optimize the placement and configuration of our nature-based interventions. This software, developed in partnership with a team of urban planners, ecologists, and data scientists, combines high-resolution satellite imagery, hydrological models, and predictive analytics to simulate the long-term performance of our solutions under varying climate conditions.

For example, when designing our "Sponge Neighborhoods," the AI tool helps us determine the optimal placement and size of permeable surfaces, bioswales, and constructed wetlands to maximize stormwater capture and groundwater recharge. By running multiple simulations and iterating on the design, we can ensure that our interventions are resilient to projected increases in extreme precipitation events and sea-level rise.

In addition to the AI-powered design platform, Climadapt also leverages remote sensing technology, such as drones and satellite imagery, to continuously monitor the performance and impact of our nature-based solutions. This real-time data, combined with on-the-ground monitoring by community members, allows us to track key indicators like flood levels, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration, and make data-driven adjustments to our interventions as needed.

Importantly, our technology-enabled approach is not just about the gadgets and software – it's about seamlessly integrating these modern tools with traditional ecological knowledge and community-based practices. For example, our edible forest gardens draw on centuries-old agroforestry techniques used by Indigenous groups in Tanzania, combining them with drought-tolerant plant species identified through satellite data analysis and local ecological surveys.

This blending of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology creates a synergistic solution that is both highly effective and deeply rooted in the cultural and environmental contexts of our target communities. By empowering residents to participate in the design and monitoring of our interventions, we ensure that our technology-enabled approach remains responsive to local needs and supports long-term community stewardship.

Climadapt's solution team consists of:

4 - Full-time staff members
5 - Part-time staff members
2 - Contractors 

We have been developing and implementing our innovative approach since February 2022, so at the time of this application, Climadapt has around 2 years of experience working on this particular solution.

In the past 2 years, we have been able to:

- Assemble a dedicated multidisciplinary team of 4 full-time staff, 5 part-time staff, and 2 contractors
- Conduct extensive research, community engagement, and pilot testing in Dar es Salaam
- Design and deploy our "Sponge Neighborhood" interventions, coastal ecosystem restoration, and edible forest gardens
- Collect robust monitoring and evaluation data to measure the impact of our nature-based solutions
- Begin scaling our approach to additional neighborhoods and communities in the city

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core principles embedded within Climadapt's organizational culture and hiring practices. We believe that building a diverse, representative team is not only the right thing to do, but is also crucial for driving innovation and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our nature-based solutions.

Our current team is composed of individuals with a range of backgrounds, identities, and areas of expertise. Our leadership team, for example, is gender-balanced, with two women and two men serving in key management roles. Additionally, 60% of our full-time staff come from historically underrepresented groups in Tanzania, including individuals from informal settlements and Indigenous communities.

To continue expanding the diversity of our team, we have implemented several targeted strategies:

1. Recruitment and Outreach: We actively seek out candidates from diverse backgrounds by advertising job openings through community-based organizations, local universities, and professional networks that serve marginalized groups. We also offer internship and apprenticeship programs to provide entry-level opportunities and build a pipeline of diverse talent.

2. Equitable Hiring Practices: Our hiring process is designed to minimize bias and ensure equal consideration of all applicants. This includes using skill-based assessments, conducting structured interviews, and incorporating diverse representation on our hiring panels.

3. Inclusive Work Environment: We foster an inclusive work culture by providing cultural competency training for all staff, celebrating diversity through team-building activities, and empowering employees to share their unique perspectives and experiences. We also offer flexible work arrangements and mental health support to accommodate the diverse needs of our team.

4. Targeted Professional Development: To support the growth and advancement of our team members, we provide tailored training and mentorship opportunities, with a particular focus on uplifting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. This includes access to leadership development programs, technical skills workshops, and peer-to-peer learning communities.

5. Equitable Compensation and Benefits: We are committed to pay equity, ensuring that all employees, regardless of their gender, race, or other identity factors, receive fair and competitive compensation and benefits packages.

Through these ongoing efforts, Climadapt aims to not only build a diverse and inclusive team, but also to model best practices that can be replicated and scaled within the broader climate resilience and urban development sectors. By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we believe we can develop more holistic, community-centered solutions that truly serve the needs of all urban residents in Tanzania.

Climadapt's business model is designed to achieve maximum impact for the urban communities we serve while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our operations. At the core of our model is a dual-revenue approach that combines grant funding and fee-for-service contracts to finance the implementation and scaling of our nature-based solutions.

Our primary customer base is municipal governments and local authorities in Tanzania's rapidly growing cities. These government entities are key beneficiaries of our work, as they are responsible for managing urban infrastructure and climate adaptation efforts. By partnering with Climadapt, they gain access to our innovative, technology-enabled solutions that help them address critical challenges like flooding, water scarcity, and food insecurity.

We provide our government partners with a comprehensive suite of services, including:

1. Landscape design and planning: Using our AI-powered design tools, we work closely with local authorities to map out optimal configurations for Sponge Neighborhoods, coastal restoration projects, and edible forest gardens.

2. Implementation and construction: Our team of landscape architects, ecologists, and community engagement specialists oversee the on-the-ground implementation of these nature-based interventions, training local labor and ensuring high-quality execution.

3. Monitoring and evaluation: Leveraging remote sensing data and community feedback, we continuously track the performance and impact of our solutions, providing detailed reporting to our government partners.

4. Capacity building: To foster long-term sustainability, we offer training programs and knowledge-sharing platforms to equip local government staff and community members with the skills to maintain and replicate our interventions.

In exchange for these services, our government clients pay a fee that covers the direct costs of implementation and a portion of our operational expenses. This fee-for-service revenue stream accounts for approximately 60% of Climadapt's total income.

To complement this revenue, we also actively pursue grant funding from international development organizations, foundations, and climate finance mechanisms. These grants enable us to cover the upfront costs of research, community engagement, and innovative technology development, as well as to subsidize the implementation of our solutions in low-income communities.

Since 2022, Climadapt has generated a total of $23,000 in revenue, with $18,800 coming from fee-for-service contracts and $9,200 from grant funding. As we continue to scale our operations and demonstrate the impact of our solutions, we aim to steadily increase both revenue streams to achieve financial sustainability and expand our reach to more urban communities in Tanzania.

Climadapt's plan for achieving long-term financial sustainability is built on a diversified revenue model that combines fee-for-service contracts, grant funding, and strategic partnerships.

Fee-for-Service Contracts:

As described in our previous response, Climadapt's primary revenue stream comes from the services we provide to local government authorities in Tanzania. By delivering comprehensive landscape design, implementation, and monitoring services, we have been able to generate $13,800 in revenue since 2022. This fee-for-service model currently accounts for 60% of our total income and is expected to grow as we scale our solutions to additional cities.

To strengthen this revenue stream, we are actively cultivating partnerships with municipal governments and embedding our services into their climate adaptation and urban development budgets. For example, we are in final discussion to  secured a 3-year, $500,000 contract with the Dar es Salaam City Council to implement our Sponge Neighborhood interventions across 5 high-risk districts.

Grant Funding:

Recognizing the importance of upfront investment to drive innovation and support community-focused initiatives, Climadapt has also been successful in securing grant funding from various international development organizations and climate finance mechanisms.

Since 2022, we have received $9,200 in grant funding, including a $12,000 award from the Green Climate Fund to pilot our edible forest garden concept in low-income neighborhoods. We have also secured smaller grants from the Global Resilience Partnership and the UN Adaptation Fund to support our community engagement efforts and technology development.

Moving forward, we are actively expanding our grant pipeline and cultivating relationships with additional funders to diversify our grant portfolio and ensure a steady stream of funding for our R&D, capacity building, and subsidy programs.

Strategic Partnerships:

In addition to our fee-for-service and grant-based revenue, Climadapt is also exploring strategic partnerships that can provide both financial and in-kind support for our work.

For example, we are in discussions with a major telecommunications company to develop a joint initiative that would leverage their digital infrastructure to enhance the monitoring and community engagement components of our nature-based solutions. This partnership has the potential to not only generate additional revenue, but also increase the impact and scalability of our interventions.

By combining these complementary revenue streams, Climadapt is confident in our ability to achieve financial sustainability and continue scaling our innovative, nature-based solutions to enhance the climate resilience of urban communities across Tanzania.