SPECIAL FEATURE | Locally-led Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Interventions for Riverine Ecosystems at Connect Karo 2024

WRI India organized a session on ‘Locally-led Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Interventions for Riverine Ecosystems’ at its annual flagship event Connect Karo. An expert panel, which saw representation from Forum partners NIUA and WWF, highlighted the potential of NbS to augment the resilience of riverine ecosystems. The conversation explored how a systems approach might help, and ways to integrate NbS into larger urban development initiatives.

Takeaways from the session:

• Mr. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra (Chief Advisor, NIUA and Former Director General National Mission for Clean Ganga): A common taxonomy of NbS practices would lead to better uptake of such projects by urban local bodies (ULBs). ULBs should identify and leverage convergence of various schemes and funding sources such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, to better support NbS initiatives.
• Ms. Bijal Brahmbhatt (Executive Director, Mahila Housing Trust): Livelihood protection is an often-understated component of river restoration and should be integrated into the planning process. Social security, constructive resettlement practices, and creating new community infrastructure are crucial for the success of river restoration projects.
• Dr. Amit Dubey (Head-Wetlands, WWF India): The restoration of the river Arkavathi in Karnataka is evidence of how effective strategic local engagement, coupled with focused interventions that follow a systems approach to NbS, can guide restoration along peri-urban and rural areas of the watershed.
• Dr. Hemant Bherwani (Senior Scientist, CSIR-NEERI): Scaling technological innovation needs site-specific adaptation guidelines, and community awareness of these technologies is crucial for sustainable implementation.
• Ms. Shomita Bhattacharya (Program Manager, EcoSattva - CARPE): The Kham river restoration project demonstrates how crucial it is to leverage local partnerships, such as with existing community groups and workers collectives, and to look at holistic solutions including solid waste management in river system restoration.

Upcoming Events and Updates

The India Forum for Nature-based Solutions invites you to the third session of our Masterclass Series on 'Financing and Integrating Community Engagement in Nature-based Solutions initiatives across Indian cities'

🗓️ Thursday, 10th October

🕒 3 PM to 4:15 PM. 

👉 Register Here - http://bit.ly/3Y2hJKr

The session will focus on presentations by Sukanya Narain (Founder of Sustainnovate; Strategy advisor and mentor at SEWA), and Dr. Manu Gupta (Co-Founder, SEEDS), followed by Q&A with the participants. Through project examples and discussions, the masterclass will cover topics that include–

1. The need for community-driven NbS to tackle climate risks by fostering resilient ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods.
2. Challenges of financing engagement processes and ways to incentivize communities for their contributions.
3. Partnerships and collaborations for long-term success of projects.
4. Building scalable finance models and community capacities to access these models.

Who is the Masterclass for?

• City officials looking at developing inclusive, community-led models for the planning, designing and maintenance of urban NbS projects.

• Practitioners and NGOs working with cities and funders to deliver NbS that can enhance community resilience to climate risks.

• Financiers and businesses looking to develop innovative finance structures and help build community capacities to access these structures.

Op-ed by CEEW | Value nature right as India is facing severe climate impacts

Dr. Vishwas Chitale and Ms. Shreya Wadhwan from CEEW discuss building a stronger investment case for catalyzing nature-based solutions (NbS). The article highlights the role of NbS as cost-effective strategies to reduce risks from climate-induced events and suggests practical steps to engage private finance.

Read here: Value nature right as India is facing severe climate impacts

REPORT LAUNCH Launch of ‘Compendium on Water Sensitive Urban Design’ by National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)

In the News

1.       Health Cards Made for 56 Waterbodies, Watchdog tells NGT

2.       First Teal Carbon Study to Tap Wetlands for Climate Adaptation Launched

3.       Urban Expansion Drives Forest Loss in India’s Biodiversity Hotspots

4.       To Enhance Urban Greenery, 111 City Forests Receive Sanction in 100 Days

5.       CDRI Launches $2.5 Million to Support Cities for Climate Resilience

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