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We work in partnership with national and subnational governments, corporates, and communities to develop and deploy Nature-based solutions. We deliver multiple cross-sectoral benefits, whilst protecting and enhancing the natural capital that provides these benefits.

Using an evidence based approach, we conceptualise and implement a portfolio of NbS projects that are community centric and include solutions across climate mitigation and adaptation, ecosystem and biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, forestry and agriculture to address national and global climate goals.

Services

Ecosystem Services Valuation and Accounting

We help our partners and clients effectively integrate ecosystem services valuation in natural capital accounting systems. We further suggest opportunities for identification & implementation of suitable incentive-based mechanisms (IBM) including Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes. We also offer designing and development of geospatial technology based platforms for monitoring of IBM/PES schemes.

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Carbon offset projects across Forestry, Agriculture and Water Sectors

We design and implement Carbon offset projects for carbon markets across decentralised energy, agriculture, forestry, agriculture and other land use (AFOLU) sectors to maximize ecosystem benefits. We help governments and corporates to upscale NbS activities and resolve the critical barriers inherent to these projects.

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Ecosystem-based Adaptation planning

Given our expertise on Ecosystem-based Adaptation Planning towards climate resilient landscape, we have significant experience in designing management plans for conservation and restoration of forests, wetlands, and sustainable agricultural practices.

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NbS carbon offset projects across forestry, agriculture and water sectors

Partnership for Land Use Science (USAID Forest-PLUS) Programme

Client:-  TetraTech ARD

IORA was a key in-country partner of the Forest PLUS Program, a bilateral initiative of USAID and MoEFCC. The Program aimed to build REDD+ readiness in India through ecosystem management, REDD+ MRV and Public Private Partnership initiatives. IORA, in association with the Michigan State University (MSU), created a national Forest Carbon MRV system for India. We developed a state-of-the-art mobile application – M-Forest, for ease of collection of ground data by forest departments enabling transparent monitoring of carbon stocks, assessment and conservation of forest natural resources. We partnered with Forest Survey of India (FSI) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to design advanced algorithms for remote sensing analysis for forest type identification, degradation and deforestation mapping.

India Organic Waste Management Programme (IOWMP)

Client:- BIOTECH Renewable Energy

“IORA formulated India’s first successful household waste management programme – India Organic Waste Management Programme (IOWMP). It promotes household organic waste management through installation of biogas plants at household, community and institutional levels. IOWMP’s value chain ensures timely delivery, training on usage, rapid installation, maintenance and monitoring. We distributed over 20,000 biogas plants across India.
The units generate carbon credits against methane emission reductions in addition to providing for household energy needs. The IOWMP promotes institutional organic waste management and clean energy technologies for the rural and semi-urban sectors.

Estimation of Potential Value of Ecosystem Services and Development of REDD+ Project for Assam

Client:- Assam Projects on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Society (APFBC)

IORA developed a pilot Jurisdictional REDD+ project in Assam in order to leverage additional national and international finance for forest conservation and local livelihood security. We carried out Land Use and Land Cover analysis to develop a REDD+ baseline, set up an interdepartmental REDD+ Cell and a departmental REDD+ Task Force. We developed a robust monitoring plan and trained forest department personnel on REDD+.

Carbon project development for improved forest management by avoiding planned degradation through stopping selective logging in East Kalimantan

Client:- Ecosecurities SWISS SARL

The PT Integra Group is pursuing a carbon project on improved forest management in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. IORA has partnered with Eco-securities to develop the Project Document using Verra Methodology. The project will contribute to avoiding planned deforestation by moving from selective logging to protection of forests, facilitated through climate financing. It will also cover community well-being through livelihood enhancement activities.

Analysing Feasibility of cairrn on HCV Forests in Indonesia and Malaysia

Client:- Standard Bank, Singapore and Sime Darby Corporation

IORA analysed the feasibility of development of REDD+ projects in High Conservation Value (HCV) forests adjoining Palm Oil plantations carried out by our clients – Standard Bank, Singapore and Sime Darby Corporation, Malaysia.

Assessment of Carbon Sequestration Capability of Plantations in Onshore Suvali Terminal, Surat, Gujarat

Client:- Cairn Oil & Gas (Vedanta Ltd)

IORA assessed the carbon sequestration potential of the green belt within the Cairn Suvali Terminal (Surat). We provided a host of recommendations to increase the green belt area, develop a nursery and implement waste management initiatives.

Assess Carbon Sequestration Capability of Plantations Developed within PKGM-1 Offshore Block

Client:- Cairn Oil & Gas (Vedanta Ltd)

Duration:- Feb 2020- Apr 2020

IORA assessed the carbon sequestration potential of plantations at Cairn’s Ravva Terminal facilities in Andhra Pradesh. We shared site-specific recommendations to enhance soil quality and promote plantation activities. A detailed plan was prepared for setting up a nursery. Recommendations for the sustainable management of mangroves in the area were also provided, along with a waste management plan.

Survival Rate and Carbon Sequestration Assessment of Plantations Undertaken by Mahindra Finance

Client:- Survival Rate and Carbon Sequestration Assessment of Plantations Undertaken by Mahindra Finance Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited

As part of the company’s CSR initiatives, Mahindra Group organised large-scale plantation drive ‘Hariyali’ across India since 2007-08. Over 18 million trees have already been planted under the project. IORA assessed the carbon sequestration of the project plantations till 2018, and provided carbon stock assessment and carbon sequestration potential of the plantation for the period 2020 till 2030.

Assess Carbon Sequestration Capability of Plantations Developed within Rajasthan Facility

Client:- VEDANTA Ltd. (Cairn Oil and Gas)

Vedanta Limited (Cairn Oil & Gas) commissioned IORA to quantify the carbon sequestered in their green belt plantations in Barmer district. We mapped their green belt areas using high-resolution satellite images and carried out ecological surveys to evaluate the survival rate of plantations.

India’s First REDD+ Manual for Practitioners

Client:- Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal and MoEFCC, GoI

IORA, in association with IIFM and MoEFCC, designed a REDD+ manual for enabling REDD+ readiness in India. The manual serves as a quick-access guide for forestry practitioners and end-users, providing clarity on REDD+ concepts and issues. The manual has become a significant aid and has contributed to several action-based REDD+ initiatives across India.

India’s First REDD+ Project in Garo Hills

Client:- Wildlife Trust of India

IORA, in association with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (IISc), developed a community-based REDD+ project to address shifting cultivation trends in the Garo Hills, Meghalaya. This project focused on conserving stretches of high biodiversity forests. Activities under the project included evaluation and alignment of the services provided by the forests and the livelihood options available in the region.

Ecosystem Service Valuation and Accounting

Research Study on Green Accounting of Forest Resources, Framework for other Natural Resources, Index for Sustainable Environmental Performance for Uttarakhand State

Client:- Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Government of Uttarakhand

IORA, in collaboration with IIFM carried out a research study on ‘Green Accounting of Forest Resources and Sustainable Environmental Performance Index’ for Uttarakhand, India. The study developed an accounting framework for natural resources and pioneered the development of an index for measuring sustainable environmental performance (SEPI) of Uttarakhand. The SEPI index allows year-on-year comparative analysis of the environmental achievements, challenges and priorities of the state, including state’s progress on environment related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It provides economic estimates for 21 forest-based ecosystem services and tracks relevant environmental indicators through Forest Resource Accounting (FRA) developed with reference to the United Nations’ System of Integrated Environment and Economic Accounting (UNSEEA, 2012) Central Framework. The study also demonstrated the application of Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) for mapping ecosystem services.

Ecosystem services and incentive feasibility assessment for Narmada Landscape Restoration Project (NLRP) for GGGI in India, financed by USAID

Client:- IUCN India USAID

IORA is working closely with IUCN to facilitate implementation of the Narmada Landscape Restoration Plan (NLRP). This is being jointly implemented by Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd. The NRLP initiative seeks to improve quality and quantity of water in select tributaries of Narmada River between Omkareshwar and Maheshwar Dams in Khargone district, Madhya Pradesh. We are assisting GGGI along with IUCN for conducting Baseline Assessment of Ecosystem Services and developing a Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (MEL) Framework. This will aid in developing an incentivisation mechanism that will continue to support the riparian forest and farm communities of the Narmada Basin and aid in maintaining sustainable landscape practices.

Development of PES mechanisms, recommendations and guidelines for the implementations of the PES and FES approaches in the forest management of Himachal Pradesh

Client:- GIZ India

Supporting the operationalisation of state’s PES policy, IORA as a part of GIZ India project, developed Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms for Alha (Dalhousie) and Hamta (Manali) and assisted in refinement of the existing PES mechanism in Bohal (Palampur) and Kashapat (Rampur). Modifications were also suggested in the Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) Plan for Kashapat. The work comprised assessment of the impediments, bottlenecks and opportunities under the policy and its operational guidelines to recommend refinements. We carried out intensive field consultations to design and refine these pilot schemes and provide the final structural outline of the PES models based on site-specific issues. The selected sites reflected common site opportunities across the state. This work served as a foundation to review the Himachal Pradesh PES policy, and recommended measures supporting the development of PES mechanisms across the state.

New transitions in smallholder agricultural systems that promote increased tree cover outside of forests (TOF)

Client:- NASA, MSU

IORA is working in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and Forest Survey of India (FSI) to quantitatively examine the trend of increasing TOF and the processes that promote this trend in smallholder agriculture systems. The study will identify where and how natural ecosystem conversion and land degradation is being reversed in India. The project will examine farming processes that promote increase in TOF in smallholder agricultural systems. The study endeavours to integrate GIS analysis with econometric valuation of ecosystem services from TOF to ascertain if there is a correlation between increase in tree cover and high financial valuation of ES. This economic analysis will further help to determine the factors that are driving these trends.

Assess Carbon Sequestration Capability of Plantations Developed within PKGM-1 Offshore Block

Client:- Cairn Oil & Gas (Vedanta Ltd)

IORA assessed the carbon sequestration potential of plantations at Cairn’s Ravva Terminal facilities in the PKMG-1 Hydrocarbon block, Andhra Pradesh. We formulated site-specific recommendations to promote additional plantation activities and to improve the nitrogen fixing ability of the soil. A detailed plan was prepared for setting up a nursery for plantation purposes within the Ravva terminal and well as Cairn’s coastal plantations. Recommendations were also provided for the sustainable management of mangroves in the area which included the conservation of rare and endemic mangrove species and restoration of degraded areas. Additionally, we proposed a plan for the proper management of wet waste and dry leaves using vermicomposting.

Innovations in Ecosystem Management & Conservation (IEMaC)

Client:- USAID India

USAID initiated the Innovations in Ecosystem Management and Conservation (IEMaC) project under it’s InFORM (Innovations in Forest Resource Management) program. IORA led the deployment of IEMaC in collaboration with MART and Bioversity International. Implemented in two landscapes- Sirsi (Karnataka) and Mandla (Madhya Pradesh), IEMaC aimed at reducing pressure on forests through development of innovative gender sensitive tools for improved fuelwood management, community-centric NTFP value chains and community based forest-monitoring tools. They were trained on gendered value-chain development and assessment of its impact at household and enterprise level. We developed NTFP enterprises as an alternative livelihood strategy for the forest dependent communities. This involved developing sustainable NTFP harvesting techniques, community-based entrepreneurs, Farmer Producer Company (FPC), organic certification and value addition at processing hubs and market linkages leading to a 30% increased income for forest dependent communities. 50 women farmers were trained under the program. The program resulted in certification of 27 wild harvested produce, 20000 Ha of forest land & 400 farmers as organic under USDA-NOP, NPOP & EU 847/2007 organic standards.
The project led to the development of iFoReST (India’s Forest Resource Decision Support Tool), an innovative decision support system (DSS) that scientifically guides investments aimed at addressing unsustainable extraction of fuelwood from forests. The iFoReST was deployed in both the landscapes with the Karnataka Forest Department and Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, respectively. Several clean technology installations targeting domestic, commercial and institutional users of fuelwood were carried out by clean technology entrepreneurs trained under the project. The project resulted in 1,000 tonnes of reduced CO2 emissions, through increased community plantations, installation of fuel-efficient water heaters, dryers, cookstoves and jaggery processing units along with household biogas plants.

TEEB Scoping Study for India

Client:- MoEFCC, GoI, GIZ India

The Economics of Environment and Biodiversity (TEEB) is an international initiative to promote inclusion of the true value of ecosystem services in planning processes at governmental, societal and corporate levels, and develop markets for rewarding conservation. IORA co-authored the TEEB – India Scoping Study for the forestry sector in partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. The study was supported and published by MoEFCC, GoI.The project led to the development of iFoReST (India’s Forest Resource Decision Support Tool), an innovative decision support system (DSS) that scientifically guides investments aimed at addressing unsustainable extraction of fuelwood from forests. The iFoReST was deployed in both the landscapes with the Karnataka Forest Department and Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, respectively. Several clean technology installations targeting domestic, commercial and institutional users of fuelwood were carried out by clean technology entrepreneurs trained under the project. The project resulted in 1,000 tonnes of reduced CO2 emissions, through increased community plantations, installation of fuel-efficient water heaters, dryers, cookstoves and jaggery processing units along with household biogas plants.

Economic Valuation of Tiger Reserves in India

Client:- Indian Institute of Forest Management, National Tiger Conservation Authority

IORA assisted the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) in developing a methodology for evaluation of the ecosystem services provided by Tiger Reserves across India (Corbett, Kanha, Kaziranga, Periyar, Ranthambore and Sundarbans). The study carried out quantitative and qualitative estimates of ecosystem services from selected tiger reserves, and explored other alternative values. It further carried out an in-depth ecosystem services evaluation exercise in two tiger reserves to estimate the cost of re-creating a tiger reserve.

Impact Assessment of Ecosystem Services created due afforestation activities of ONGC of Ringal Bamboo in Upper Himalayas

Client:- Oil and Natural Gas Commission of India (ONGC)

As per the NAPCC Mission – “Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem”, ONGC took the initiative for Ringal (Small Hill Bamboo) plantation in 730 Ha in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Kedarnath Wildlife Division and Pithoragarh Forest Division situated in upper Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. IORA conducted an assessment impact of all visible plantations on Ecosystem Services on the project site. The study includes the assessment of land use pattern of area before the plantation, the present status, and changes that have occurred as a result of plantation. This would also encompass the impact on purification of air, enhancement of water resources in the area and the quality of soil; enhancement of floral diversity; and impact on local communities in terms of livelihood creation.

Wood Assessment in Gujarat and Adjoining Areas of Maharashtra

Client:- HSIL Limited & Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd.

IORA carried out an assessment of the local and imported wood availability in Gujarat and Maharashtra to support a major Japanese Investor and a leading Indian manufacturer in assessing the viability of establishing a Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) plant in the region. IORA carried out a detailed literature review, interviews with forest department officials, with importers and with others involved in the marketing value chain for wood in order to arrive at reliable estimates. This initiative was to gain a deeper understanding of wood demand and supply; market mechanisms and the role of market functionaries. IORA assessed the surplus availability of wood in Gujarat and adjoining areas of Maharashtra for the proposed MDF and Particle Board plant.

Assessment of Bamboo Resources in North Eastern States of India

Client:- ITC

IORA assessed the availability of bamboo resources in the North-eastern states of India. Bamboo is an important non-wood forest resource and is a fast growing, wide spread, renewable, versatile, low cost natural resource. It also plays an important role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. A literature survey presented a realistic picture of the sourcing potential of bamboo from these regions. State-wise bamboo bearing areas, by density was studied. The final report provided information on bamboo resources in the six North-eastern States (Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura), the quantity obtained from different sources, regeneration status and artificial bamboo plantations in these areas. IORA presented a comparative analysis of bamboo plantations of various species raised in the North-eastern States through time series data

Ecosystem based adaptation planning

Developing Sustainable Agriscapes for Future Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3

Client:- IUCN India, ITC

IORA was awarded the Sustainable Agriscape for the Future, Phase I and Phase II led by IUCN-India. The programme aims to study agro-ecosystems, their biodiversity and trends of ecosystem services, in order to design suitable ecosystem-based interventions to promote crop productivity to ensure the sustainability of various ecosystems.
During Phase I of the programme, IORA has conducted baseline studies on assessment of Socio-economic, Biodiversity and Ecosystem services review, and spatial delineation of agriscape units based on mapping ecosystem services flow towards in agriculture in Munger landscape. In phase II of programme, IORA prepared a detailed project report on the agriscape plan on interventions for restoration and revival of ecosystem services in the pilot clusters viz; Asarganj, Kharagpur and Sadar. IORA also conducted a training need assessment and developed training modules on sustainable agriculture practices along with community based monitoring framework for activities implemented under the programme. In continuation to that, IORA is working towards the development of Sustainable Agriscapes in Ghod Basin in Maharashtra and Bhavani Basin in Tamil Nadu. Using our experience in Munger, we will delineate Agriscapes and suggest interventions in the current project areas. The work involves undertaking baseline surveys on ecological, biodiversity and ecosystem services of the landscape, spatial identification and removal of existing gaps and provision of suggestions on interventions supporting the rejuvenation and enhancement of ecosystem flows. The selected interventions will be geospatially designed with a unique identification code generated for piloting. These Agriscape Plans will further be validated through triangulation. Implementation for the project is expected to enhance biodiversity and flow of ecosystem services in the region. This will further enable food security and enhanced livelihoods for the project beneficiaries.

Adaptive Forest Management for Water Security and Improved Livelihoods in the Western Himalaya Region

Client:- GIZ India

IORA worked on a GIZ project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) on “Adaptive Forest Management for Water Security and Improved Livelihoods in the Western Himalaya Region”. Western Himalayas are a life support system for millions of people in India. Owing to the rapid increase in exploitation of natural resources, largescale infrastructure development, tourism and pollution, the ecosystem services in the landscape have been highly impacted. Climate Change has exacerbated the vulnerability of the region. To promote sustainable forest management practices in line with changing environmental conditions, the project developed instruments and methods which will assist in the long term preservation of ecosystem services focusing on water availability and quality. We developed a white paper on “Role of National Forest Policy in Water Security and Improved Livelihood in the Western Himalaya Region” and prepared inputs on policy and finance aspects of the project. The main findings were used to prepare a Proposal Module for Technical Cooperation.

Nature-based Solutions: A review of key issues in India

Client:- Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office

Tasked by the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), IORA and Vertiver analysed key issues pertaining to application of NbS in India. The study mapped best practices of successful NbS models across six sectors- Water Security, Food Security, Energy Security, Forestry and Biodiversity, Disaster Risk Reduction and Sustainable Habitats. The study identified investment interventions that generate positive impacts across several goals including “protecting natural resources and biodiversity,” enabling “Just rural transition,” building ”sustainable supply chains particularly in the context of natural resource based processes” and enhancing the adaptive capacity of the population to climate risks. It mapped policy landscape supporting implementation of NbS models and analysed the role of private players in supporting NbS application in India. Additionally, the study provides an overview of private sector investments in NbS through CSR or other impact models. As priorities for ‘building back greener’ take centre stage in Post-COVID recovery and business planning, the study presents an outline of how NbS guided approaches can support these goals in the short, medium and long run in India.

Preparation of a Comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) with plans, designs and BoQ for the development of a World class “Biodiversity Park (including thematic herbal garden, livelihood park, Ganga light & sound show, adventure & eco trails etc.) at Muni Ki Reti (near Rishikesh), Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Client:- Uttarakhand Forest Department

In an effort to address the challenges of endemic biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration and sustainable development, Uttarakhand emphasizes the need to develop Bio-diversity parks, Arboretum and Eco-restoration. This initiative will also promote cultivation & marketing of medicinal plants and enhancement of community-based livelihoods. Building on this vision, Uttarakhand Forest Department (UKFD) has undertaken the re-modelling of Shivalik Biodiversity Park at Muni Ki Reti, Narendra Nagar Forest Division. IORA, along with Vertiver Pvt. Ltd and Spall Associates, were engaged to carry out the assignment. Our work involved assessment of floral and faunal diversity, development of a canopy cover map and identification of areas for developmental and plantation activities in the park. With a primary focus on sustaining the ecological and biological systems of the park, the project undertook remodeling of the layout of the park to include development of three theme-based trail maps – Pollination Trail, Native Species Trail and the Watershed Trail. It further proposed organisation of ecotourism activities including nature walks, birding and nature art workshops. Other proposed modifications to the park include setting up waste management interventions, waste segregation and recycling unit, along with dustbins at appropriate locations. Generating awareness among children on issue of waste management through eco-clubs and training camps has also been proposed.

Climate Adapted Afforestation Plan of native Trees along the Railway Tracks in Gurugram and Faridabad District for Haryana Forest Department

Client:- Haryana Forest Department

We supported Haryana Forest Department and Northern Railways to mitigate soil erosion and dust pollution by planting 25,000 saplings along the railway lines of Gurugram and Faridabad. We developed tree lines as noise barriers, forest carbon sinks and supported for increase in forest area. The project was carried out using the IORA Railway Afforestation Model.

Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP) Phase II

Client:- Nippon Koei, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

The project aims to improve forest ecosystem by promoting sustainable forest management. IORA was engaged in a preparatory survey to prepare plans for REDD+ related activities including estimation of the cost and carbon benefit/emission reduction in partnership with Nippon Koei India Pvt. Ltd. under Phase II of Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP).
The Phase-II of the project was implemented in 18 districts and 15 Forest Divisions. The objective was to improve forest eco-systems through sustainable forest management involving tribal communities. About 4.8 lakh ha of degraded forest will be restored and an additional 50,000 ha of farm forestry will be developed. 11 forest divisions covered in 1st phase have also been included for up-scaling income generation processes and livelihood support.

Climate Change Adaptation Programme in the Himalaya - Component I Manipur – Community-based Sustainable Forest Management for Water Resources Conservation

Client:- GFA Consulting Group, KfW (BMZ), Germany

IORA has implemented “Climate Change Adaptation Programme in the Himalaya -Component I Manipur – Community-based Sustainable Forest Management for Water Resources Conservation” in partnership with GFA Consulting Group, Hamburg. The initiative supported the Department of Forests and Environment, Government of Manipur, to develop strategies to adapt to climate change by sustainably developing Manipur’s forests to enhance water catchment functions and local livelihoods.IORA planned and secured support for improvements in forest and water management with the participation of government and village-level stakeholders. IORA supported the restoration and sustainable management of upper watersheds and built capacity for community-based watershed management and enhance downstream water supply.

Development of NAMA Concept of Forestry

Client:- GIZ India, UNIQUE Forestry and Land Use GmbH

IORA, in partnership with UNIQUE Forestry and Land Use GmbH has developed the design of a Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) for the forestry sector in India as part of an Indo-German bilateral initiative guided by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India and supported by GIZ, India. This NAMA was on “Reducing Forest Degradation and Deforestation in Assam through Sustainable Fuelwood Management”. IORA was involved in identification of NAMA options, elaboration of the institutional and policy set-up, calculation of the baselines and mitigation potentials, qualification and quantification of co-benefits, creation of a capacity development strategy, assessment of required resources for NAMA implementation and designing financing solutions with all involved stakeholders. Additionally, IORA identified international funding opportunities for forestry NAMA in line with the Paris Agreement.

Pilot Implementation of India’s Forestry NAMA in Assam under BMUB IKI Project ‘Development and Management of NAMA in India’

Client:- GIZ India

IORA was engaged by GIZ India to carry out pilot implementation of India’s first Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) in the forestry sector on “Reducing Forest Degradation and Deforestation in Assam through Sustainable Fuelwood Management” The NAMA pilot programme demonstrated the practicability of the NAMA concept and its readiness to be scaled up and replicated. The programme ensured deployment and sustained adoption of fuelwood saving technologies in 5 tea estates and 5 forest villages in Assam. A Decision Support System (DSS) based on IORA’s iFoReST model was used. IORA also helped secure finances to deploy fuelwood saving technologies in at least 50 households in each tea estate and the forest village in the chosen cluster from public (e.g. government subsidy programmes) and private sectors (e.g. CSR and personal financing by households).

Assessing the impacts of Invasive Species on Forest Eco-system in the State of Sikkim

Client:- UNDP India

IORA prepared a report on invasive plant species in Sikkim and prepared an action plan for their management in the context of climate change using high resolution remote sensing data and mapping technologies. The mapping was conducted using high resolution images of World View II , mapping algorithms and field information. Several algorithms were tested to delineate area under invasives. Data driven modelling improvised the mapping accuracy which was verified through ground truthing. Out of several species that were mapped, Lantana camara, Eupatorium and Ageratum conyzoides were identified as invasives. IORA also developed an action plan to assist the State Nodal Institutions on climate change and the implementation of the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC). IORA provided effective management strategies for invasive species and conducted dissemination workshop with officials from forest department.

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