Evaluation of nature-based solutions for enhancing urban flood resilience in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal | |
| Author | Shrestha, Cindy |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.UI-24-01 |
| Subject(s) | Flood control--Nepal--Kathmandu City planning--Nepal--Kathmandu |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Urban Innovation and Sustainability |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Rapid, unplanned urbanization and climate change impacts have exacerbated urban flood risk in developing cities like Kathmandu Valley. Existing, structural flood management infrastructure proves increasingly inadequate in addressing this growing threat and yet current understanding of using alternative flood management strategies such as nature-based solutions (NBS) is limited. This study aims to examine various nature-based solutions and prioritize them for enhancing integrated urban flood management including provision of ecosystem services within Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. This study used a mixed method of primary and secondary data sources, with both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods. This study evaluates NBS using a multi-dimensional framework, examining stakeholders' roles and NBS's potential to provide diverse co-benefits at multiple scales for Kathmandu Valley. The primary data utilized in this analysis are collected through interviews with multi-dimensional experts from various stakeholder groups and community representatives, field observation, questionnaire surveys and informal discussions. NBS options and key evaluation criteria are identified through literature review and expert discussions which is analyzed using multi-criteria decision analysis. NBS such as revitalization of the traditional pond network, river and floodplain restoration, and permeable pavements are prioritized due to their effectiveness for urban flood protection and alignment with local needs through provision of co-benefits. This study also explores how strategic combinations of NBS can create a cascading effect to reduce flood risk and maximize co benefits at various scales within the urban environment. The results show that combining NBS options such as combining rain gardens and permeable pavements with river restoration and revitalized pond network for water harvesting can increase co benefits and enhance resource efficiency. Such synergistic combinations are cost-effective and fulfill key considerations such as urban flood protection and improving environment quality while providing valuable co-benefits like public green spaces to community. This study addresses the lack of knowledge of alternative flood management for Kathmandu Valley by investigating Nature-based Solutions as a promising and sustainable approach to enhance urban flood resilience in Kathmandu Valley. |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Urban Innovation and Sustainability (UIS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Vilas Nitivattananon |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shrestha, Rajendra Prasad;Pramanik, Malay |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT scholarships |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |