National Agriculture Science Complex, Pusa
Delhi, India

This event in Delhi explores how urban authorities and other parts of civil society can improve their approaches to ecosystems and the services they provide in urbanising contexts. The event involves people involved in decision-making, research and practice related to urbanisation and ecosystems.

The organisers aim to share good practice and evidence on approaches to urbanisation that take account of poverty and the importance of ecosystems, particular in Indian and South Asian contexts. The event is convened by ICLEI-South Asia and supported by the Ecosystem Services and Poverty Alleviation (ESPA) programme. More details about the event are on the ICLEI-South Asia website.

Ecosystem services are vital for peri-urban and urbanising areas, and the people who live within them. In contexts of rapid urbanisation, these services are under threat from redevelopment, pollution and overconsumption, and there are gaps in the policies and structures that should protect them. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for local authorities and citizens to work together and join up policy with action on the ground.

Contact: F.Marshall [at] sussex.ac.uk

This event includes the launch of a new ESPA briefing ‘Making the most of ecosystem services’ which draws on research from the Risks and Responses to Urban Futures project affiliated to the STEPS Centre. It will feature contributions from researchers connected to the South Asia Sustainability Hub.