Earthwatch India addressed knowledge gaps in the management of urban lakes, wetlands and green spaces by researching how these ecosystems can increase the resilience of urban areas to impacts from climate change and urbanisation, whilst delivering benefits to people and wildlife.

In Bengaluru, Earthwatch is working with the Indian Institute of Science to study the impacts of land-use change and influence of human settlements on green buffer areas surrounding and protecting key urban lakes. Results are being used to create a framework for assessments of these lakes and their roles in driving blue-green infrastructure development.

“The environmental quality of an urban lake has an immediate bearing on the quality of the fringe habitations, specifically in terms of air and water quality. By addressing issues that concern urban blue and green spaces we can mitigate air and water quality issues, enable temperature and flooding control and provide a buffer for habitats.” – Prof. Sudhakar M. Rao, Indian Institute of Science