Indian Institute for Human Settlements

Nature Transformation Fund • India

About

Revitalizing freshwater ecosystems in cities

This pilot project by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) tackles urban ecology and water management challenges in Bengaluru, India. By combining ecological restoration with sustainable urban planning, the initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and improve water security through the mapping of blue-green spaces, constructed wetlands, and long-term monitoring of urban lakes.

motivation

The IIHS project addresses the pressing need for sustainable water management in one of India’s most water-stressed regions. The NTF funding will specifically go towards developing restoration plans for urban lakes, ensuring the long-term success of these crucial blue-green spaces. With backing from local government and strong community involvement, this initiative not only has the potential to influence national water conservation policies but also offers a scalable model for urban ecology and environmental planning.

Jill Raval

Nature Lead

Pillar & Approaches

Ecosystem Health

Projects in this pillar support the protection and restoration of freshwater, land, and ocean realms, crucial for meeting the '30x30' targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This ambitious goal seeks to effectively protect and manage 30% of the world’s terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas by 2030. Achieving this is vital as currently, only about 17% of land and 8% of marine areas are under some form of protection. These efforts are essential to address the intertwined crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, ensuring the survival of natural systems that protect human well-being and support all life on Earth.

Other projects within the fund

Ecosystem Health

Natural Justice

Kenya + 2 countries

Natural Justice works to defend the rights of indigenous and local communities impacted by climate change. Through legal empowerment, climate litigation, and solidarity funding, they support these communities while promoting ancient and indigenous knowledge to mitigate climate change and restore harmony with nature. Their project fosters learning opportunities among indigenous communities globally.

Vast savanna landscape with scattered trees, green grass, and distant hills under a cloudy sky with patches of blue.

Ecosystem Health

Keeping Suriname as “the Greenest Country on Earth”

Suriname

Suriname stands as the only nation maintaining over 90% of its original forest, a remarkable environmental feat. To preserve this legacy, new legislation is being crafted to declare millions of hectares as protected areas. However, these forests currently face unprecedented threats, including agriculture, mining, and road development. Addressing this, Re:wild, in collaboration with the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT) and the newly formed local NGO Wildlife and People, is empowering South Suriname's Indigenous communities, particularly the Trio people, to protect their ancestral lands.

Shark diving boat driving on clear blue water

Ecosystem Health

Conservation Finance Alliance

United States

The Conservation Finance Alliance (CFA) incubator aims to identify, incubate and enhance conservation finance solutions and tools to drive greater impact. Over the course of one year, it will support 5-10 groundbreaking projects selected through a global call for proposals by providing grants, mentorship, and development opportunities. By nurturing these concepts, the program aims to unlock additional funding and scale impactful conservation initiatives worldwide.

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