Ecosystem Evaluations of Three Ecosystems in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

This study, conducted under the “Proliferating Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Practices in Indian Cities” (EPIC) project supported by the Global EbA Fund, assesses the ecological, socio-cultural, and economic value of three key urban ecosystems in Bhubaneswar: Bindusagar Lake, Jaidev Vatika, and a wetland. As part of the EPIC project’s efforts to demonstrate the economic valuation of urban ecosystems, the study engaged 769 stakeholders—including residents, visitors, and informal workers—to capture diverse perspectives on ecosystem use, benefits, and conservation needs.

Using a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative and qualitative data to provide a holistic understanding of how these urban commons function within the city’s ecological and social landscape. The findings aim to inform urban planning and climate resilience strategies, highlighting the role of nature-based solutions in enhancing ecosystem protection and sustainable urban development in Bhubaneswar.