Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction and community resilience in India: a cost-benefit and equity analysis

This study evaluates the economic efficiency of the interventions in India using a Cost-Benefit Analysis to compare implementation costs with observed and future benefits. It also performs an equity assessment, examining the distribution of benefits among the people affected by the intervention with a particular focus on women, children and vulnerable socio-economic groups. Although there is some evidence that strengthening ecosystem services is a cost-efficient approach to address certain natural hazards, more research is needed to assess the economic efficiency and equity of Eco-DRR activities in strengthening community resilience. The aim of this study is to contribute to this growing literature.

The portfolio of Eco-DRR and resilience building activities in India focuses on community-driven ecosystem restoration and protection in the Kanwar Jheel wetlands in the eastern state of Bihar, Lake Tampara
wetlands in the eastern state of Odisha, and Suigam Taluka drylands in the western state of Gujarat. Activities focus on landscape restoration of wetlands including afforestation and restoration of natural vegetation; promotion of sustainable water management and sanitation; and creation of new economic opportunities through community training on sustainably managed agriculture. The project target is to make 60,000 people resilient to natural hazards and climate change as a result of Eco-DRR activities, involve 25 local level institutions in implementing Eco-DRR projects, and restore and protect 4,000 hectares of ecosystems.