Developing an Ecosystem-based Adaptation Feasibility Tool (DEFT)

CSTEP is developing an EbA Feasibility Tool (DEFT) project in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The project is supported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) under the Global Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Fund. The project aims to enhance urban resilience through evidence-based planning and integration of ecosystem-based adaptation into city development processes. DEFT seeks to design a decision-support tool to help urban planners, policymakers, and local institutions assess the feasibility of EbA interventions that connect ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities.

 

 

The key objectives of this project are provided below.

 

1. Generate a high-resolution blue green (water bodies and green cover) infrastructure map for Bangalore Urban District (BUD),
2. Map hyper-local risks to climate hazards like floods and heatwaves,
3. Suggest EbA options based on Risk information and their financial and ecological feasibility,
4. Develop a visualisation tool that integrates findings to model and assess changes in risk levels across different scenarios of EbA adoption.

 

 

1. Urban ecosystem and risk mapping: Compile and analyse data on hydrology, land use, biodiversity, and socio-economic vulnerability to identify high-risk and high-potential zones for EbA.
2. Stakeholder consultations: Engage with government departments, research institutions, and civil society to co-define EbA typologies and indicators.
3. Tool development: Design an interactive, GIS-based tool that integrates ecological, social, and infrastructural parameters to support feasibility assessments.
4. Capacity building and dissemination: Conduct workshops and dialogues to strengthen technical and institutional uptake of EbA in city planning.

 

The main outcome envisioned from this project is the EbA tool for Bangalore, which extends to the Bengaluru Urban District. In addition, a few additional outcomes from this project are provided below.

 

1. A replicable and scalable EbA Feasibility Tool (DEFT) to support climate-resilient urban planning.
2. Comprehensive maps and assessments of blue-green systems and urban ecosystem services.
3. Strengthened institutional awareness and technical capacity for integrating nature-based solutions.
4. Policy recommendations and product knowledge to guide the mainstreaming of EbA at the city and regional levels.
5. Other secondary outcomes include data from a 6500HH survey conducted across Bangalore and information on species presence and biodiversity from the ecological survey. It also produces a hyperlocal flood mapping for BUD.

 

Stakeholder Engagement Workshop – Developing an EbA Feasibility Tool (DEFT): A Case Study of Hebbal

 

• Synthesis Note

• Brochure