ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) protect, enhance and replenish the natural resources that are the basis for achieving food, energy and water security, urban resilience, protection of biodiversity and habitats, restoration of land and reduction of disaster risk. It is estimated that Nature-based Solutions provide more than one-third of cost-effective climate mitigation required till 2030 .
The emergence of the term Nature-based Solutions has raised some questions about its relationship to many existing approaches such as Ecosystems-based Adaptation (EBA), Land Restoration etc. For the purposes of this study, all solutions that deliver multiple cross-sectoral benefits, while protecting and enhancing the natural capital that provides these benefits, fall under the singular umbrella of NbS. These include ‘Nature-based’, ‘Nature-derived’ and ‘Nature-inspired’ solutions, that use both pure nature based as well as hybrid approaches to generate multiple benefits. An example of hybrid NbS includes urban green infrastructure, creation of parks and ponds and green buildings, that provide benefits of temperature regulation, carbon sequestration, recreation, ground water recharge as well as co-benefits of reduced energy costs, improved air and soil quality, urban heat island mitigation, habitat protection, lower resource footprint, improved public health, reduced exposure to natural hazards and various socio-cultural services etc. NbS provides a holistic framework for meeting national priorities and sustainable development goals of India.
This study reviews some best practices of NbS across Sustainable Habitat and Urban-Rural Resilience in India. It aims to support investors and academics in selecting an appropriate mix of cost-effective and scalable NbS investments that support India’s climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity protection and disaster risk reduction goals .
An analysis of 26 case studies (studies submitted as a spreadsheet), that were selected for their use of Nature-based Solutions across Sustainable Habitats sector was performed. Each case study was scored on the basis of three parameters— ‘Design’ ‘Implementation’ and ‘Benefits.’ The parameters of ‘Design’ and its related criteria help determine whether the project was inclusive at planning stages and whether its regional, technological and policy focus render it scalable and replicable. Scoring case studies on Design indicators can provide early insight into the potential impact of planned interventions. To determine sustainability of proposed interventions, studies were scored on two key ‘Implementation’ criteria—governance and cost-effectiveness—through indicators that include government buy-in, cost efficiency of inputs and robust monitoring and reporting systems. Finally, the range of all known and potential ‘Benefits’ (direct and indirect or co-benefits), accrued under each case study were mapped and scored.
The study conducts an overview of private sector investments in NbS interventions through CSR and other impact models. As priorities for ‘building back greener,’ take centre stage in post-COVID policy and business planning, the study also provides an outline of how NbS guided approaches can support these goals in India.
Assessment of case studies shows that NbS applied across can provide both short term benefits and long-term benefits with low risk, tackle climate change related hazards through low maintenance and low-cost approaches, help people adapt to the effects of change and disasters whilst slowing warming and protecting biodiversity.
