The unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has only highlighted the need to put nature at the center of the rebuilding efforts, not only to build back better, but also to prevent a future pandemic. Nature-based Solutions (NBS) are the way forward to build resilient cities and this is evident now to policy makers, politicians, private sector companies and other community-based organizations. In spite of the obvious advantages, NBS face several challenges, including but not limited to creating a financial model to build, operate and maintain, as it involves the participation of multiple stakeholders and collaborative efforts in the long-term.

WRI India and the Kochi Municipal Corporation have brought together some leading experts and practitioners in the field of NBS to discuss:

• What is an effective NBS financing model, key instruments that we need to look for?
• Where and how is assistance required in financing an NBS model?
• Who needs to be involved in making NBS functional in cities?
• What are some good examples of effective use of Nature Based Solutions in India that can be replicated?

The Cities4Forests team, WRI India will share highlights on ongoing work and some key approaches for NBS in cities. This will be followed by experience sharing by the different experts on financing NBS in cities.

SPEAKERS

• Chantal van Ham, EU Programme Manager, Nature Based Solutions, IUCN European Regional Office, Brussels
• Monalisa Sen, Programme Coordinator (Biodiversity), Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), South Asia
• Hari MR, Crowd forestry, Kerala
• Meenakshi Pawar, Environmental Planner, National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)
• Suzanne Ozment, Senior Associate, Natural Infrastructure for Water
• Rajan Chedambath, Director, Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development, Kochi
• Moderated by Jaya Dhindaw, Director, Integrated Urban Planning, WRI India