Climate Adaptation Using Nature-based Infrastructure Solutions in Peru

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name: Climate Adaptation Using Nature-based Infrastructure Solutions in Peru

This project aims to strengthen disaster preparedness in Chongoyape, Lambayeque, Peru, through green and blue infrastructure.

The region faces significant threats from El Niño, including floods, landslides, extreme temperatures, and disease outbreaks. The 2017 Coastal El Niño exposed vulnerabilities from poor urban planning and reliance on hard engineering solutions.

By prioritizing nature-based infrastructure, this study promotes sustainable approaches to mitigate future climate risks, enhance resilience, and support ecological balance in vulnerable communities.

Loss to Buildings (GIRI)
$ 0 bn
Loss due to floods
$ 0 bn

Impact and Key Findings

1

The final design integrates a deep understanding of Chongoyape’s environment, ensuring solutions harmonize with natural conditions and community needs. This approach enhances disaster resilience by promoting sustainability and adaptive strategies tailored to local ecological and social contexts.

2

Nature-based solutions were emphasized to tackle flooding, landslides, and extreme weather, providing sustainable and adaptable alternatives to conventional engineering methods. These eco-friendly approaches enhance resilience while harmonizing with natural systems for long-term disaster mitigation.

3

The project underwent a phased implementation process with active community participation, fostering local engagement and ownership. This approach enhanced the practicality and effectiveness of disaster preparedness measures, ensuring solutions were relevant, sustainable, and widely supported.

Resources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.