Scaling nature-based solutions for climate resilient infrastructure

Project: The role of nature-based solutions for improving resilience against floods, heat stress and erosion in selected informal settlements of Northern Namibia
Role: PhD candidate
Affiliation: Department of Geography, University of Namibia
ORCID ID: 0009-0003-1178-6301
Email: giesshaanika@gmail.com Or 200913727@students.unam.na

Giesberta’s journey in geology began with an interest in rocks’ economic value for mining, but soon shifted to understanding their strength and ability to support infrastructure. This transition led her into the field of Engineering Geology, where she has accumulated about eight years of experience working across Namibia, South Africa, and Rwanda. Her work involves conducting engineering geological mapping to identify hazards such as slope instabilities, faults, and problematic soils. This work is essential for developing risk maps that guide urban planning and support risk-informed development for municipalities. Recently, Giesberta expanded her focus to include climate-driven (meteorological) hazards, recognizing the interconnection between geological and climate hazards. Much of her research now addresses land degradation caused by rainfall-induced erosional gullies and shallow landslides, highlighting the role of human activities as both causes and exacerbating factors.

Having grown up in Northern Namibia, Giesberta experienced firsthand impacts of flooding, often having to cross floodwaters to reach school. This personal connection fuels her commitment to addressing climate and geological hazards. She is a passionate advocate for building resilience through capacity-building initiatives. As a natural continuation to this journey, she joined the FLOURISH project as a PhD student, investigating the effectiveness of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in mitigating flood risks, reducing heat stress, and controlling erosion in Northern Namibia’s informal settlements. Looking ahead, she is excited to develop strategies that integrate advanced spatial analysis, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable solutions to build resilient communities. When she is not working, she enjoys hiking and handcrafting.