Strengthening Systemic Resilience: Upscaling Nature-based Infrastructure Solutions (NbIS)

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Research: Global Infrastructure Resilience Report, First Edition, Chapter 3

This chapter promotes Nature-based Infrastructure Solutions (NbIS) to strengthen systemic resilience by providing low-carbon alternatives with economic and ecological benefits, including cost savings and ecosystem restoration.

With a focus on water management and hazard mitigation, it addresses adoption challenges such as governance gaps and limited expertise.

Key pathways include capacity building, policy integration, and standardized practices, enabling NbIS to counter ecosystem degradation and advance sustainable infrastructure in vulnerable regions.

Reduction in Costs
with NbIS
0 %
Grey Infrastructure
Replaceable by NbIS
0 %

Impact

1

Expanding NbIS can cut costs by 85–90% compared to grey infrastructure, enhancing affordability and sustainability in LMICs. By reducing environmental degradation, NbIS strengthens resilience, restores ecosystems, and promotes long-term, climate-adaptive infrastructure solutions.

2

Expanding NbIS can restore ecosystems, improving water quality, strengthening coastal protection, and enhancing community resilience. By integrating NbIS into infrastructure planning, LMICs can achieve sustainable development while reducing environmental risks and climate-related challenges.

3

Embedding NbIS into policy frameworks can cut carbon emissions, advancing net-zero targets while strengthening systemic resilience. By prioritizing nature-based solutions, governments can foster sustainable infrastructure, enhance climate adaptation, and promote environmental sustainability worldwide.

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.