Nature based solutions: Case Study
Module 3
What types of NbS could be applicable?
Name: Swarupa Sane
Roll No: 24PTPHDA24
Nirma University, Ahemdabad
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Nature Based Solutions
• NBS are actions that protect, restore, and manage
ecosystems in ways that address societal challenges.
• They offer co-benefits: enhance biodiversity, support
livelihoods, and increase climate resilience.
• Examples include mangrove restoration, green urban
infrastructure, eco-tourism, and community-based
management.
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NBS Case Studies Thematically Similar to Thane Creek
1. Bangladesh: Community-Based Mangrove
Restoration
Location: Coastal zones of Khulna and Satkhira districts.
Problem Addressed: Cyclones and storm surges,
degrading coastlines.
Solution: Villagers and NGOs collaborated to plant
mangrove belts along vulnerable shorelines.
Outcomes:
Reduced cyclone damage to inland villages.
Improved biodiversity and soil stabilization.
Provided wood, honey, and crab resources.
NBS Type: Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA), disaster
risk reduction (DRR)
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NBS Case Studies Thematically Similar to Thane Creek
Vietnam: Mangrove Rehabilitation and Sustainable
Livelihoods
Location: Mekong Delta and Red River Delta.
Problem Addressed: Mangrove degradation, salinization,
and climate-induced flooding.
Solution: Reforestation of degraded mangroves combined
with aquaculture reform.
Outcomes:
o Better flood control and shoreline stabilization.
o Reduced damage to rice fields and shrimp farms.
o Boosted community engagement and local incomes.
NBS Type: Hybrid (Ecosystem restoration + sustainable
development)
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NBS Case Studies Thematically Similar to Thane Creek
Sundarbans (India & Bangladesh): Mangrove and Community
Co-management
Location: Largest tidal mangrove forest in the world (West Bengal,
India & southern Bangladesh).
Problem Addressed: Biodiversity loss, cyclones, sea-level rise.
Solution: Protected mangrove zones, community forest user
groups, awareness campaigns.
Outcomes:
o Reduced vulnerability to cyclones (e.g., Cyclone Amphan).
o Protected biodiversity (tigers, crocodiles, birds).
o Introduced alternative livelihoods (eco-tourism, honey
collection, crafts).
NbS Type: Community-based restoration, co-management,
integrated adaptation
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Proposed Nature based Solutions:
Community-based mangrove restoration with integrated eco-
tourism and citizen monitoring
Challenge at Thane Creek How NBS Can Help
Restoration can buffer floods
Degraded mangrove patches
and protect biodiversity
Urban flooding and stormwater Mangroves slow water flow and
runoff improve infiltration
Biodiversity under threat (e.g.,
Provides habitat and food chains
flamingos)
Eco-tourism can educate and
Low public awareness
generate income
Community-based monitoring
Poor enforcement
improves governance
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Implementation of NBS
1. Site Restoration
Identify degraded mangrove zones (e.g., near Airoli Bridge, Vashi).
Set up nurseries and planting programs using native species.
2. Community Engagement
Train and employ locals for mangrove maintenance and waste
clean-up.
Conduct citizen science bird monitoring programs.
3. Eco-tourism Infrastructure
Build elevated boardwalks, watch towers, and interpretation
centers.
Use guides from local communities (similar to Sundarbans model).
4. Policy and Partnerships
Integrate with MMRDA, Forest Department, and NGOs.
Align with CRZ norms, Ramsar objectives, and urban planning.
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Benefits of NBS Implementation
NBS Function Benefit for Thane Creek
Rebuild mangrove buffers,
Ecosystem Restoration
improve water quality
Reduce coastal erosion and
Disaster Risk Reduction
urban flood risk
Enhance resilience to sea-
Climate Adaptation
level rise
Create jobs in planting,
Livelihood Support
guiding, eco-tourism
Secure habitat for flamingos,
Biodiversity Protection
crabs, and fish
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Conclusion:
Thane Creek can adopt a community-based NBS approach
inspired by successful models in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and
the Sundarbans. This model is:
• Socially inclusive
• Ecologically sound
• Climate-smart
It offers a low-cost, long-term solution to urban coastal
challenges and could become a model for other Indian
coastal cities.
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The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the 9
authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein