On 25 June 2025, the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) hosted the first Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in Bengaluru for the project Developing an Ecosystem-based Adaptation Feasibility Tool (DEFT). Supported by the Global EbA Fund, DEFT aims to empower Indian cities with data-driven planning tools that prioritise Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) for climate resilience. The pilot study, conducted in Bengaluru’s Hebbal ward, focused on mapping blue-green infrastructure and identifying hotspots for EbA interventions that exposed individuals to flood and heat risks.
The workshop brought together diverse stakeholders from government departments, academic institutions, research organisations, civil society, and community-based initiatives to share insights from the pilot. Key sessions included a walkthrough of DEFT’s mock interface and presentations from climate risk and ecological assessments. Stakeholders engaged in dialogues on integrating EbA into existing planning frameworks, evaluating co-benefits, and aligning local actions with broader goals such as the National Action Plan for Climate Change and the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Participants discussed ways to strengthen the methodology, build policy alignment, and enhance the practical uptake of EbA in urban decision-making. They also discussed ongoing work in urban ecology and community-led adaptation in Bengaluru, underscoring the potential for future collaboration. Highlights included knowledge products such as the City Biodiversity Index, climate impacts on urban biodiversity, and community-led lake restoration efforts. These exchanges emphasised the importance of anchoring adaptation tools, such as DEFT, in local knowledge and practice.
The workshop served as a valuable platform for co-creating insights and building momentum for nature-based urban resilience. Feedback from this event will inform refinements to the tool, contribute to the funder reporting process, and support stakeholder engagement efforts throughout the subsequent phases of the project.