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The report assesses three intervention scenarios for the Pandarachirathodu Canal in Kochi, India, to combat degradation, pollution, and flooding. It finds that all three scenarios—ranging from a hybrid 'integrated wetland technology' (IWT) to a comprehensive biodiversity park—are investment worthy. While the highest net benefits (INR 325-331 million) are achieved by combining IWT with nature-based interventions like mangroves and floating wetlands, the highest benefit-to-cost ratio is found in the baseline IWT scenario, yielding INR 9.78 in net benefits for every INR 1 invested.

WRI implemented over 30 nature-based projects in Mumbai, Kochi, and Jaipur, including urban farming and water-body restoration, to combat climate risks like urban flooding and extreme heat. These initiatives, which included a school-based gardening project in Mumbai scaling to 250 schools and an urban farm at Jaipur Central Jail, led to the establishment of India's first national-level forum on urban nature-based solutions to share best practices and scale these approaches across Indian cities.

WRI India and the Kochi Municipal Corporation established the Kawaki initiative in 2021 to create urban forests in areas prone to flooding and extreme heat. The program uses a science-based approach, including participatory mapathons and household surveys, to identify planting sites and adaptation needs. These green spaces mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce flood risks while providing employment for unskilled laborers. The city has integrated the program into its municipal budget and the Kochi City Master Plan 2040, shifting its strategy from rescue and recovery to long-term resilience planning.

The document examines the Indian marine seafood export supply chain, highlighting a stark divide between sophisticated exporters and marginalized fishermen. It finds that while EU and U.S. process regulations like HACCP have improved industry organization, product regulations often act as non-tariff barriers. The author argues that sustainability initiatives, such as the Marine Stewardship Council label, are currently unviable in India due to the multi-species nature of the fisheries and the lack of infrastructure and education at the bottom of the supply chain. Recommendations focus on a 'bottom-up' approach, including the promotion of fishermen cooperatives and basic hygiene training.

The document discusses the tension between aesthetic and functional choices in urban greening across Indian cities, noting that many commonly planted exotic species are prone to uprooting during extreme weather events like cyclones. It highlights a lack of scientific rigour in national guidelines and fragmented institutional management of urban greenery, while weighing the biodiversity benefits of native species against the perceived hardiness of non-native species in urban environments.