GIZ India 42d ago

Rapid urbanisation and climate change are pushing Indian cities to a breaking point and Chennai is on the front line. Innovative nature-based solutions, such as Chennai’s pioneering sponge parks, are helping the city cope with floods, cyclones, and extreme heat while building long-term resilience for local communities. As urbanisation and climate change accelerate, the most vulnerable neighbourhoods are affected first. The sponge park approach transforms open spaces and existing parks into natural water absorbers, reducing flooding, recharging groundwater, and creating safer, more inclusive public spaces. Thoughtful urban design ensures accessibility for women and all residents, showing how Chennai is making climate adaptation work for everyone. Developed in partnership with the Greater Chennai Corporation, the Sponge Park Framework for Resilient Open Spaces turns city parks into green, resilient hubs that protect communities and the environment alike. In this video, you will learn: - How Chennai is using nature-based solutions for flood and climate resilience - The benefits of sponge parks for local communities and urban planning - Scalable strategies other cities can adopt for sustainable urban development and climate-smart cities