The course experience has really supported my thoughts related to Nature-based solutions for the environmental risks faced by my State “Kerala” in India. Since 2008, we have faced various kinds of natural hazards and still continue to do so, sometimes at peak intensity. With the concerns in technical response systems (eg. Installation of early warning systems), we must put a focus on sustainable, cost-effective, and beneficial solutions simply “Nature-based Solutions” like conservation of water storage, Blue – Green infrastructures like the great green wall initiative in Sahara, Sequestration of carbon by preserving wetlands, Mangrove seawall to minimize flooding and erosion, construction and conservation of peatlands, etc. Nature-based Solutions is an umbrella term that encompasses many different approaches that must become a part of policy dialogues and planning of Kerala. Well-structured presentations and the discussion platform coordinated by PEDRR with the support of UNEP, EU, and SDG Academy was an awesome professional experience for me.
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