Urban Flood Management Using Greenery and Detention Ponds in Ghana

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Urban Flood Management Using Greenery and Detention Ponds in Ghana

This project examined how urban greenery and detention ponds reduce flooding in Ghana’s Mamahuma Basin.

With rapid urbanization and climate change intensifying flood risks and disruptions, the research assessed these nature-based solutions’ ability to enhance resilience for vulnerable communities and infrastructure.

The findings aim to guide sustainable urban planning, integrating ecological approaches to effectively manage urban floods while fostering long-term environmental and social benefits.

Required to address
Ghana's flooding
challenges
$ 0 bn
Loss from flooding in
Ghana each year
$ 0 mn

Impact and Key Findings

1

Urban greenery and detention ponds are effective nature-based solutions that reduce flood risks by enhancing water absorption and slowing runoff. These eco-friendly strategies offer sustainable flood management, protecting vulnerable areas while promoting environmental resilience and sustainability.

2

Green infrastructure enhances stormwater management by regulating flow rates and minimizing water accumulation, reducing urban flooding risks. These sustainable solutions protect communities and infrastructure in rapidly urbanizing areas, fostering resilience and environmental.

3

These solutions enhance water retention, reducing flood peaks and minimizing severe water buildup. By strengthening urban flood resilience, they support sustainable city development, ensuring long-term environmental stability while reducing risks for communities and infrastructure in flood-prone areas.

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.