Nature-Based Solutions for Resilient Infrastructure Systems in the UK

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name: Nature-Based Solutions for Resilient Infrastructure Systems in the UK

This project piloted a decision-making tool to identify effective nature-based solutions (NbS) for enhancing infrastructure resilience against riverine flooding.

It uncovered critical data gaps, particularly in effectiveness, monitoring, and maintenance costs of NbS. The findings reinforce NbS as essential infrastructure assets, offering flood protection and climate resilience.

By promoting sustainable, ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction strategies, this approach supports informed planning, ensuring long-term stability and adaptive infrastructure development in flood-prone regions.

Loss to Floods
$ 0 mn
Benefit provided by
mangroves in flood
reduction
$ 0 mn

Impact and Key Findings

1

A conceptual framework was designed to identify effective nature-based solutions (NbS) that enhance infrastructure resilience against diverse climate hazards. It supports strategic adaptation planning, enabling targeted, data-driven approaches to reduce risks and foster sustainable, climate-resilient development.

2

A comprehensive database of key metrics was developed to assess the costs and benefits of nature-based solutions (NbS), equipping decision-makers with data to compare effectiveness and investment value across diverse climate resilience strategies for informed, sustainable adaptation planning.

3

A pilot interactive decision-making tool was developed using data from existing studies to help users assess and select nature-based solutions (NbS) suited to their sector and specific climate hazards, enhancing evidence-based infrastructure resilience planning and adaptation strategies.

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.