Enhancing Resilient Street Infrastructure to Address Heat and City Flooding in Brazil

Implementing Partner: AGE-RS (Gaucha Agency for Development)

Project name: Enhancing Resilient Street Infrastructure to Combat Extreme Heat and Inner-City Flooding with Active Travel and Water-Sensitive Solutions in Brazil (Porto Alegra)

This project will enhance Porto Alegre’s resilience to urban flooding through nature-based solutions, data-driven tools, and community-centered strategies, protecting critical infrastructure—hospitals, schools, and transportation—while empowering vulnerable populations.

Leveraging geospatial databases, risk maps, and advanced modelling, it will identify vulnerabilities and flood risks, from localized events to large-scale inundations.

These insights will inform and shape the city’s master plan, integrating climate action strategies and regeneration initiatives for a more sustainable, adaptive future.

Nodal Government Agency: Municipality of Porto Alegre

CDRI funding
$ 0
Beneficiaries
0

Impact

1

Residents will benefit from accessible pedestrian pathways and well-connected public transport hubs, fostering mobility and urban resilience. Neighbouring cities will benefit from increased knowledge and awareness of adaptable measures, enabling them to implement resilient solutions.

2

By safeguarding urban systems, the project is projected to save approximately $25 million, reducing service disruptions and mitigating flood risks. These protective measures ensure long-term resilience, preserving infrastructure and maintaining essential city functions.

3

Approximately $5 million has been secured from two investors to implement a comprehensive flood mitigation plan. These strategic investments will enhance urban resilience, safeguard infrastructure, and minimize flood-related disruptions, ensuring long-term sustainability for the city.

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.