Nature-Based Solutions

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are defined as ‘actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use and manage natural or modified terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems, which address social, economic and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being, ecosystem services and resilience and biodiversity benefits.’ (UNEA, 2022). NbS for addressing impacts of climate change can be designed to provide adaptation and mitigation benefits.

CSP aims to demonstrate and scale up a portfolio of NbS through mangroves and wetlands conservation in West Bengal (Sundarbans) and Karnataka (urban, peri-urban Bengaluru) to enhance resilience of communities and ecosystems to climate change. These solutions, co-designed with communities and local authorities, are aimed to support community livelihoods, biodiversity, ecosystem services and sustainable development. In addition, WWF India with partners is field-testing methodologies for assessing carbon sequestration potential of different typologies of wetlands in India.

Energy Transition

The ET pillar of CSP aims to identify, implement, and promote distributed renewable-energy (DRE) solutions for rural livelihood and energy needs. With the focus on providing a clean and reliable source of energy for livelihood and water transport mobilisation in the Sundarbans and decarbonising the milk preservation part of the dairy value chain in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, the interventions are designed to run pilot technologies and develop a scalable roadmap for energy transition in rural areas setup for productive purposes.