Maintenance Models for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Public Spaces for Mumbai’s Vulnerable Neighborhoods
Climate-induced events like heat waves and floods are worsening urban living conditions, especially in vulnerable communities. In informal settlements, inadequate public spaces exacerbate these challenges. To explore sustainable solutions, WRI India and YUVA hosted a session on collaborative models for maintaining public spaces. Discussions focused on roles in infrastructure upkeep, regulatory frameworks for co-development, and financial mechanisms to sustain these spaces.
‘The proceedings summarize the reflections of stakeholders from a workshop hosted in October 2023 by WRI India in partnership with the Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA). The intention of the workshop was to explore collaborative maintenance models for the ecological restoration of underused public open spaces in Mumbai’s low-income communities (R&R colonies, transit accommodations and self-organised settlements).
Discussions were focussed on the strengthening of partnerships to implement and sustain Nature-based Solutions for quality open spaces; exploration of institutional mechanisms to support collaborations; mobilization of financing models for long-term environmental and social co-benefits.
The workshop saw subject matter experts, government officials, community groups, urban practitioners and solution providers bring forth insights and diverse perspectives from project experiences to co-develop solutions.’
