ADB-CDIA Conducts Training Workshops on Revitalizing Urban Green Spaces and River Corridors

ADB’s Kathmandu Valley Ecological Urban Renewal Project in Nepal, supported by CDIA, held two training workshops to strengthen the capacity of government officials and stakeholders. The workshops focused on addressing Kathmandu Valley’s urban ecological challenges, including environmental degradation, heightened exposure to risks, and increasing poverty.

On 25 August 2024, the consulting team delivered the Blue and Green Corridor Enhancement and Nature-based Solutions Strategy training, emphasizing the need for a robust planning framework entailing the establishment of well-designed urban green spaces integrating nature-based solutions. Their development and maintenance are essential for biodiversity enhancement, water management, disaster resilience, and social benefits. 

They also presented green development measures for strengthening flood resilience, addressing water scarcity, and promoting active lifestyles, drawing examples worldwide. After that, participants engaged in open discussions and participatory workshops, applying their new knowledge in tackling challenges and identifying solutions they could implement in the Kathmandu Valley. 

On 27 August 2024, the consulting team delivered the Urban Regeneration along Riverbanks and Dealing with Informal Settlements training. They shared the approaches for revitalizing settlements in India, underscoring the importance of an urban planning framework that will integrate land use and infrastructure, manage disaster risks, protect natural and cultural resources, and promote sustainable and equitable urban development. Following their discussion on the Kathmandu Valley planning framework and gaps, and typology of informal settlements, the participants worked on practical exercises, applying their new knowledge in analyzing and addressing case examples relevant to their context.    

A total of 23 participants joined the workshops, representing the Kathmandu and Lalitpur municipal corporations, the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, the Ministry of Urban Development/High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of Bagmati Civilization, the academe, civil society organizations, and development partners. 

Through the Kathmandu Ecological Urban Renewal Project, ADB-CDIA will develop an investment program toward the comprehensive ecological and urban transformation in the Kathmandu Valley. In particular, the project aims to connect and improve green open spaces and upgrade poorly serviced urban areas, with the solutions envisaged to be implemented initially in Kathmandu and Lalitpur to provide a model for other municipalities confronting the same issues.

Related information: Kathmandu Ecological Urban Renewal Project Preparation