May 31, 2023

Land restoration: a shield against climate disasters

topic:	Climate action
located:	India
editor:	Rishabh Jain

As a country highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, India has experienced a decline in ecosystem services due to factors such as deforestation, land degradation and urbanisation. The increasing frequency and intensity of floods and heatwaves, exacerbated by global warming, has adversely affected both rural and urban communities.

The ecosystem-based strategies to mitigate climate change impacts laid out in the recent IPCC report offer a promising solution to India's climate challenges.

Emphasising the role of nature-based solutions in tackling multiple environmental challenges simultaneously, the report highlights the importance of preserving and restoring forests, wetlands and grasslands as natural buffers against floods and heatwaves. It also recognises ecosystem restoration as a cost-effective approach to climate adaptation that provides a wide array of benefits to both people and the environment.

By rehabilitating degraded lands and restoring natural ecosystems, these strategies can enhance resilience, boost biodiversity and protect vital ecosystem services. Land restoration techniques such as afforestation, reforestation and sustainable land management not only improve the provision of essential services, but also aid in climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon.

India's Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), a government program aiming to improve farm productivity and ensure proper water management to foster climate resilience, aligns with the principles of ecosystem-based strategies.

However, while these strategies hold immense potential, they are not without limitations and challenges, including the imperative of securing the active participation and engagement of local communities in restoration efforts. In many cases, communities may have competing priorities or limited access to resources and technical knowledge.

To overcome these limitations, coordinated efforts and partnerships between various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations and local communities, are necessary. Additionally, as highlighted by the latest IPCC report, investments in ecosystem restoration are imperative to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for India.

By harnessing the power of nature, India can effectively address climate change impacts while revitalising degraded lands and safeguarding critical ecosystems for generations to come.

Image by Romeio Paul. 

Call to Action

Support environmental protection in India

Support now