Resilient Infrastructure Planning for Fragile Wetlands System in India

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Resilient infrastructure planning for fragile wetlands system in India

This study establishes a comprehensive resilience framework for Loktak Wetland, Manipur’s largest freshwater wetland and a Ramsar site.

It tackles socio-ecological vulnerabilities arising from climate change, natural hazards, and human activities, promoting a holistic, community-driven approach.

By integrating environmental conservation with disaster preparedness, the framework strengthens wetland sustainability while safeguarding indigenous communities, ensuring adaptive strategies that enhance ecological health, mitigate risks, and foster long-term resilience in this fragile ecosystem.

Loktak Lake’s share
in India’s identified
wetland area
0 %
Natural wetlands lost
in India in 30 years
0 %

Impact and Key Findings

1

The project provides recommendations to enhance environmental, economic, and social benefits, supporting biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and improved social infrastructure. These strategies strengthen ecosystems, promote economic resilience, and foster well-being for indigenous communities through inclusive, long-term solutions. 

2

The study demonstrated that sustainable socio-economic development and environmental preservation can coexist, providing key insights for protecting fragile ecosystems globally. This approach supports balanced growth while ensuring long-term ecological health and resilience. 

3

The study presents a scalable model that guides state and national resilience strategies, shaping ecosystem-based adaptation policies for fragile wetlands across India. It offers actionable insights to strengthen environmental sustainability and safeguard vulnerable ecosystems. 

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.