How do you see ecosystem-based approaches playing a critical role in building resilience against natural disasters, particularly in vulnerable regions?

In a world where climate change is intensifying natural disasters, vulnerable regions need solutions that go beyond quick fixes. Ecosystem-based approaches (EbA) offer a powerful, sustainable way to build resilience by harnessing nature's own defenses. Rather than relying solely on infrastructure like dams or sea walls, EbA integrates natural ecosystems into disaster risk reduction strategies—providing long-term, cost-effective protection.

 For instance, coastal communities benefit immensely from mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands, which act as natural buffers against storm surges and coastal erosion. In flood-prone areas, forests and wetlands absorb excess rainwater, reducing flood risks. Similarly, restoring watersheds improves groundwater recharge, ensuring water security during droughts.

 Beyond disaster prevention, healthy ecosystems also support recovery. Biodiversity strengthens resilience by maintaining soil fertility, enabling pollination, and offering natural pest control—critical for food security in post-disaster scenarios. Additionally, ecosystems help regulate local temperatures, reducing urban heat stress while also acting as carbon sinks.

Perhaps most importantly, EbA supports livelihoods. Sustainable fishing, farming, and forestry practices allow communities to earn an income while preserving their environment, ensuring long-term resilience against climate shocks. By integrating nature-based solutions into disaster preparedness strategies, we're not just reducing risks—we're creating a future where both people and ecosystems can thrive together.

Why is it important to place communities at the centre of disaster mitigation and resilience strategies, and what impact does this have on long-term outcomes?

Communities must be at the centre of disaster mitigation because they are the first to experience the impact and the first to respond. Traditional top-down approaches often fail because they overlook local knowledge, needs, and coping mechanisms. When communities actively participate in risk reduction—through early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and localized response plans—disaster preparedness becomes more effective and sustainable.

A powerful example is Odisha, India. After the devastating 1999 Super Cyclone, which killed over 10,000 people, the government prioritized community-led disaster preparedness. Local volunteers were trained, cyclone shelters were built, and early warning systems were strengthened. When Cyclone Fani hit in 2019, fatalities were minimal. This shows that empowering communities leads to long-term resilience and faster recovery.

Could you elaborate on one successful global project of Palladium and how its global insights can be adapted to India's unique environmental and socio-economic landscape?

One of Palladium's most successful global projects is Partnership for Forests. Through innovative public-private partnerships, Palladium has worked with governments, businesses, and indigenous communities to drive large-scale reforestation, carbon sequestration, policy & governance strengthening, and sustainable economic opportunities. Under the project, over millions of hectares of forest land has been restored through community-driven initiatives, creating thousands of green jobs, especially for indigenous and marginalized communities. Also, there has been a significant carbon sequestration, aiding in the fight against climate change.

As India faces rapid deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate vulnerabilities, it is crucial to implement such global best practices with localized strategies. For instance, India's northeastern region has experienced significant forest loss, with approximately 4350 square kilometres of primary forest area disappearing between 2001 and 2021—equivalent to nearly three times the size of Delhi.  States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Assam have been particularly affected. Implementing initiatives like Partnerships for Forests could help restore these degraded landscapes by fostering public-private collaborations that promote afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Such efforts would not only rejuvenate forest cover but also support India's climate resilience and socio-economic development.

India's vast coastline is prone to disasters like cyclones and floods. How is Palladium helping mitigate these risks? Can you share an example?

India's vast coastline is no stranger to the devastating impact of cyclones, floods, and other hydro-meteorological disasters. At Palladium, we believe that disaster resilience isn't just about responding to crises—it's about proactive, long-term mitigation strategies that protect both lives and livelihoods.

One of our key collaborations has been with the Government of Maharashtra's State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), where we provide technical support to strengthen disaster preparedness across the state. Given Maharashtra's vulnerability to multiple hazards, our focus has been on implementing a comprehensive suite of mitigation measures to reduce risks and build long-term resilience.

A prime example is the Konkan Mitigation Project, which covers five coastal districts—Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. Under this initiative, the SDMA has undertaken 288 projects to enhance the resilience of 1.6 crore people in these high-risk coastal areas. The work includes constructing multipurpose cyclone shelters, anti-erosion bunds, landslide protection structures, underground cabling, and saline embankments, all designed to withstand extreme weather events and minimize damage. Beyond the coastline, Palladium is also supporting 1388 structural mitigation projects across the rest of Maharashtra. These projects focus on flood protection walls, retaining structures, lake restoration, and stormwater drainage systems—critical interventions to safeguard communities from droughts, floods, and landslides.

 All these mitigation efforts align with the National Disaster Management Authority guidelines, ensuring a structured and effective approach. By integrating technical expertise with on-the-ground implementation, we are helping Maharashtra move from reactive disaster response to a proactive, future-ready strategy—one that not only protects communities today but strengthens their resilience for years
to come.

Palladium's experience in Maharashtra's disaster management has shown promising results. What are some key lessons from this initiative that can be applied to other vulnerable regions in India?

Our experience in supporting Maharashtra's disaster management efforts has reinforced a crucial lesson—resilience is built not just through infrastructure but through data-driven decision-making, efficient governance, and seamless coordination. These insights are highly transferable and can be scaled across other vulnerable regions in India to strengthen disaster preparedness and response.

One of the biggest game-changers has been the Geographic Decision Support System (GeoDSS), which equips officials with real-time, risk-based data, and analysis tools. This allows for informed, proactive decision-making during disasters rather than reactive crisis management. If scaled nationally, such systems could revolutionize disaster response efficiency.

Another key lesson has been the need to streamline the approval process for mitigation projects and ensure that mitigation funds are allocated and utilized efficiently. By enhancing proposal evaluation standards and ensuring adherence to national guidelines, Maharashtra has set a benchmark that can be replicated in other states to fast-track disaster preparedness initiatives.

Inter-departmental coordination is another critical factor. By arranging dedicated disaster management nodal officers in key departments, Maharashtra has improved collaboration, resource allocation, and overall disaster readiness. This structured approach can be applied across states to break silos and create a more cohesive response mechanism.

Additionally, transparent tracking of mitigation funds has been a priority. We worked on defining functional requirements for a project monitoring dashboard, allowing authorities to track spending and progress in real-time—a model that can improve accountability in disaster management nationwide.

Communication is equally critical. An enhanced Information, Education, and Communication system has been designed for each notified disaster to ensure communities receive clear, timely, and actionable information. A stronger outreach strategy across vulnerable regions can empower communities and reduce disaster-related losses.

Finally, we worked on redesigning processes at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) to boost preparedness and response efficiency. By ensuring the SEOC is well-equipped and operates with speed and precision, Maharashtra is now better prepared to handle crises—a model that other states can adopt for swifter, more effective disaster management.

Beyond disaster resilience, how can such programmes contribute to enhancing community livelihoods and fostering economic stability?

Disaster mitigation programmes do more than just protect communities from crises—they also serve as a foundation for long-term economic stability and improved livelihoods. By integrating resilience-building efforts with sustainable economic opportunities, we can ensure that vulnerable communities are not only safer but also more financially secure.

For example, nature-based solutions like mangrove restoration and watershed management don't just mitigate disaster risks—they also create jobs in eco-tourism, fisheries, and sustainable forestry. Similarly, resilient agricultural practices, such as drought-resistant cropping and climate-smart farming, help farmers maintain productivity despite extreme weather events, ensuring food security and stable incomes.

Additionally, investments in rural infrastructure—such as stormwater drainage systems and lake restoration—enhance water availability, which in turn supports farming and livestock-based economies.

Another crucial aspect is skill development. By training communities in disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and response mechanisms, we create employment opportunities in emergency management, infrastructure maintenance, and community leadership roles. This not only improves disaster response capabilities but also provides stable income sources.

Ultimately, disaster management programmes should not be seen in isolation from economic development. When we integrate resilience with livelihoods and infrastructure investments, we create a cycle of growth where communities are not just surviving disasters but thriving despite them.#