Developing an EbA Feasibility Tool (DEFT) for Climate Adaptation in Indian Cities: A study of Bengaluru, Karnataka

Led by the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), this project aims to strengthen climate resilience in Bengaluru by developing a scalable, evidence-based framework for ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in urban contexts. Focusing on the city’s blue–green systems—such as lakes, wetlands, tree cover, and open spaces—the project integrates high-resolution spatial mapping, climate risk assessment, ecosystem service evaluation, and cost–benefit analysis to better integrate (conserve, preserve, restore and create) nature within urbanising contexts 

A central output of the project is the development of an EbA feasibility and visualisation tool that enables urban local bodies, planners, researchers, and civil society organisations to identify climate risk hotspots, assess ecosystem health, and prioritise cost-effective EbA interventions. While Bengaluru serves as the primary case study, the methods and tools being developed are designed to be transferable to other rapidly urbanising cities in India and the Global South. 

Project Updates

1. Completed City-Wide Blue-Green Systems Mapping and Advanced the DEFT Visualization Platform: Conducted desktop-based validation and integrated mapping outputs for Bengaluru Urban District into the first phase of the visualisation platform. Launched the beta version of the Ecological Systems Explorer, enabling the exploration and analysis of ecological assets across the city. Continued development of the DEFT visualisation and decision-support platform through spatial data integration, workflow development, and stakeholder feedback.  

2. Advanced Ecosystem Health, Biodiversity, and Climate Hazard Assessments: Conducted biodiversity surveys in the Greater Bengaluru Area (GBA), ecosystem service modelling using GIS And InVEST tools, and developed an Ecosystem Health Index (EHI). Completed present-day heatwave intensity and probability assessments using extreme value modelling techniques and advanced flood susceptibility and inundation assessments using GIS and hydrological modelling approaches.  

3. Expanded Socioeconomic and Vulnerability Assessments: Completed a 6,500-household survey across Bengaluru Urban District, enabling high-resolution vulnerability analysis and improved understanding of citizen perceptions of climate risks and ecosystem services. Integrated hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and ecosystem health indicators within a common analytical framework, contributing to one of the most comprehensive urban socio-ecological datasets generated for Bengaluru.  

4. Advanced Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Planning: Developed land suitability assessments, identified EbA intervention hotspots, prepared localized EbA typologies, and developed economic valuation frameworks for selected adaptation measures. Generated critical evidence to support future implementation of EbA interventions by identifying climate-risk hotspots, assessing ecosystem conditions, and developing frameworks for prioritising NbS. 

5. Strengthened Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration and Capacity Building: Engaged government agencies, research institutions, ecosystem experts, and community stakeholders through expert consultations, focus group discussion, validation workshops, and capacity-building activities focused on vulnerability assessment, ecosystem service valuation, and EbA planning. These engagements strengthen institutional ownership, relevance, and usability of project outputs.  

6. Produced Knowledge Products and Strengthened Foundations for Policy Uptake: Produced multiple knowledge products, including city-scale blue-green system maps, ecosystem health assessment methodologies, heatwave and flood hazard analyses, vulnerability assessment frameworks, and stakeholder consultation outputs. Advanced scientific publications, technical guidance documents, and methodology notes to support replication and scaling, while establishing monitoring and evaluation frameworks and policy-relevant evidence to support climate-resilient urban planning in Bengaluru.