Eco-travel has become a trending vacation style for having fun without having the burden of wondering what footprints it might tread on Mother Earth. One way to ensure an eco-friendly holiday is to travel to a city known for its sustainability.
Various factors can determine what makes a city ‘green’, from proper sanitation to sufficient natural spaces. The Africa Green City Index helps determine how eco-friendly an urban settlement is. Here are a few cities that should be considered for a fun and environmentally conscious time.
Johannesburg
Ranking as one of the most sustainable cities in Africa, Johannesburg is an excellent option for travellers looking for a space that embraces the importance of eco-friendly practices. With one of the most extensive man-made urban forests in the world, this contributes to the city’s overall environmental and ecological health.
Cape Town
With an abundance of nature reserves and an impressive coastline, Cape Town has made the list. This city has a diverse and thriving ecosystem with various environmental initiatives in place to protect the surrounding areas.
This includes a mission to become carbon neutral in 2050 and comprehensive waste management implementation to reduce environmental impact.
Durban
Once voted the greenest city in the world, the sunny side of Durban is a wonderful choice for travellers looking to embrace eco-friendly travel. Beyond efficient waste management and environmental protection programs, the eThekwini Municipality has enforced the Durban Climate Action Plan. The initiative states:
‘Durban has set out to achieve a 40% reduction in emissions from a 2015 baseline by 2030, and an 80% reduction by 2050, and is committed to identifying various opportunities to achieve carbon neutrality.’
This shows that the city has eco-friendly strategies in place and is constantly adapting and working towards a greener future.
Compiled by Louise Bell
First Published on Gateway
Also see: In the mood for a family picnic? Here’s a list of beautiful nature attraction parks in Cape Town
