From Shiva's Dance to Urban Sanctuary: India's Nature-Based Solutions

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(Devotees offer Bel leaves and water to Shiva. In the month of Shravan, nature adorns itself, and Shiva's blessings rain upon all.)

As the monsoon rains of Sawan (Shravan) rejuvenate the land, India welcomes a month steeped in spiritual significance and profound connection to nature. The chant of "Om Namah Shivaya" reverberates, invoking Lord Shiva, the deity embodying the eternal dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. This mantra and the month itself mirror the cyclical rhythm of life, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard our natural heritage.

Traditionally associated with the onset of monsoon, the month of Sawan is a time of renewal and rejuvenation in India. This period is when nature is most vibrant, with lush greenery and blooming flowers. Sawan's cultural and environmental significance aligns perfectly with the principles of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), which aim to harness the power of nature for sustainable urban development.

?The relentless march of urbanisation and the escalating impacts of climate change have placed immense pressure on our cities and natural ecosystems. Traditional "grey" infrastructure is faltering, while NBS, rooted in nature's wisdom, presents a promising alternative. As cities embark on a transformative journey towards sustainability and resilience, the wisdom embedded in this cultural tradition offers a guiding light, inspiring innovative approaches. This rich heritage is a source of inspiration, guiding us towards a more harmonious coexistence with nature.

The global discourse on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) is rapidly expanding, with countries across continents recognising their potential to address critical environmental and societal challenges. Europe leads with urban green infrastructure and ecological restoration, while North America harnesses NBS for climate resilience, exemplified by mangrove restoration and living shorelines. Asia, facing rapid urbanisation, turns to NBS for water management, disaster risk reduction, and urban greening, with Singapore's "Garden City" and China's sponge-cities initiatives leading the charge. Through agroforestry and landscape restoration, NBS combats food insecurity, water scarcity, and climate change in Africa. Copenhagen's cycle-friendly infrastructure and Rotterdam's floating parks showcase innovative NBS approaches.

Leading international organisations are also shaping this discourse. They drive research, policy, and on-the-ground projects, and their efforts are instrumental in the global adoption of NBS. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines NBS and advocates for their use through research, policy guidance, and on-the-ground projects. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recognises NBS as vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, launching initiatives like the Global Initiative on Nature-Based Solutions and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) emphasises the importance of NBS for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, advocating for their integration into broader environmental policies. Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has firmly integrated NBS into its policies and funding, setting ambitious targets for implementation through its Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. The World Bank and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) also promote NBS. These collective efforts underscore the growing global recognition of NBS's potential to address pressing environmental and societal challenges. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, said, "As Nature-based solutions are not a luxury, they are a necessity for a sustainable future."

India is uniquely positioned to lead this revolution with its rich cultural heritage and ecological diversity. India's deep-rooted reverence for nature is evident in the acknowledgement of the five elements (Pancha Bhutas): earth, water, fire, air, and space/ether. These elements are not merely physical entities but integral components of life's cultural, economic, and spiritual wheel. This holistic perspective amplifies the need for an indigenous developmental approach that coexists with nature rather than solely relying on foreign solutions. The emerging discourse on NBS is a testament to the growing recognition of nature's power to address complex challenges. ?

As India embraces this movement, it has the potential to tackle its own environmental and societal issues and contribute to the global effort towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Indian mythology abounds with stories that illustrate the interconnectedness of humans and nature. The epic Ramayana celebrates forests as sacred spaces, while the Mahabharata extols the virtues of rivers as lifelines. Lord Krishna, often depicted as a cowherd, embodies the harmony between humans and the natural world. These stories remind us that nature is not merely a resource for exploitation but a source of wisdom and sustenance. Across India, cities are rediscovering the power of nature to solve urban problems:

Shiva's Dance of Creation and Destruction: Cities are trying to regenerate by prioritising and adopting sustainable growth strategies, integrating nature into urban infrastructure, and maintaining balance in ecosystems. The concept of destruction in Shiva's dance is not merely annihilation but a necessary step towards renewal and regeneration, just as fallen leaves nourish the soil for new growth.

Water as a Divine Gift: Cities embrace this principle by implementing rainwater harvesting systems, restoring urban wetlands, and creating porous surfaces that allow water to replenish the earth. Various cities are adopting rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge for these intricately designed water reservoirs. Cities are renewing their focus on adequate,

good-quality water, minimising water losses, and optimising systemic efficiencies through intelligent applications to preserve natural, built, and cultural heritage.

Greenery as a Symbol of Prosperity: Incorporating parks, green roofs, and urban forests into city planning enhances aesthetics, mitigates air pollution, reduces heat island effects, and provides habitats for wildlife. Inspired by the "Van Mahotsav" tree-planting festival, cities are creating interconnected networks of green spaces that provide habitats for wildlife, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and enhance air quality. Evoking the spirit of "Annapurna," the goddess of food and nourishment, cities promote urban agriculture and community gardens to improve food security and build social cohesion.

Riverfront Revitalization for Abundance: Focus is emerging on rehabilitation and renewal of ecologically sensitive features such as urban greens and lake Restoration / Riverfront development like the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, which aims to restore the polluted river, create public spaces, and enhance biodiversity.

Sacred Groves as Havens of Biodiversity: These protected patches of forest, revered in many communities, act as biodiversity hotspots, carbon sinks, and sources of clean air and water. Cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai are working to conserve and restore these vital ecosystems.

NBS is meant to replace conventional infrastructural solutions partially. Instead, it seeks to forge synergies with existing solutions, creating a balanced approach that harnesses the best of both worlds. The co-benefits of NBS, such as clean air, habitat for biodiversity, and recreational avenues, make it an attractive prospect for city stakeholders. With the effects of climate change becoming increasingly apparent, the case for NBS grows stronger each day. Despite their potential, NBS often face misconceptions that hinder their wider adoption. Let's tackle some common myths:

• "NBS are just for pretty parks." Wrong! While parks are essential, NBS go far beyond aesthetics. They offer tangible solutions to problems, from flood risk reduction to air pollution mitigation.
• "NBS are expensive and unproven." Not quite. Many NBS are cost-effective and have a proven track record. They can even generate economic benefits through tourism, increased property values, and reduced healthcare costs.
• "NBS is a luxury for developing countries." Think again! NBS is especially relevant for developing countries like India, where rapid urbanisation strains infrastructure and ecosystems.

While the positive intent is clear, implementing NBS in India requires practical tools, frameworks, and decision support systems to translate aspirations into reality. Proliferating NBS in the Indian context will require good use cases that are both effective and economical, especially in brownfield development, where challenges are more acute. As India ushers in the Sawan month, let us embrace the wisdom of our ancestors and renew our commitment to nurturing nature-based solutions in our cities. By honouring the sacredness of water, greenery, and the interconnectedness of all living beings, we can create urban environments that flourish for generations to come.

Defining and Operationalizing NBS: For the Indian context, we need to evolve a precise definition and scope of NBS and how to operationalise them in practice to ensure that NBS are genuinely nature-based and deliver multiple benefits.

Scaling Up NBS: One key challenge is scaling up NBS from pilot projects to large-scale implementation. Scaling up requires overcoming financial, technical, and institutional barriers.

Integrating NBS into Policy and Planning: Another critical focus is integrating NBS into existing policy and planning frameworks, such as urban planning, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk reduction.

Measuring and Monitoring Impact: Developing robust methods for measuring and monitoring NBS's impact is crucial for evaluating its effectiveness and ensuring accountability.

As the echoes of Sawan's showers fade, let us carry forth its message of renewal and reverence for nature. India, a land steeped in spiritual wisdom, stands poised to lead the Nature-Based Solutions revolution. Just as Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita emphasised the delicate balance between creation and destruction, we, too, must find harmony with the natural world. As climate change intensifies, indiscriminate in its impact, the need for collective action and sustainable solutions becomes paramount. Traditional practices, honed over centuries, offer valuable lessons in adapting to and mitigating environmental challenges. Strategies, policies, and missions like LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) can be instrumental in formally recognising and mainstreaming these practices. Let us build cities and nurture ecosystems that thrive in harmony with nature. The time has come to transform our urban landscapes, where nature's wisdom guides us toward a brighter tomorrow.