"Coastal Ecosystems as Nature-Based Solutions in Global Climate Policy, Adaptation Limits, and Sustainable Coastal Development"
Speaker : Dr. Radhika Bhargava Gajre
Research Fellow, Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions and Department of Geography,
National University of Singapore, Singapore
@ : radhikab@nus.edu.sg
Chairperson : Dr. Sanjay Kumar Srivastava
S Radhakrishnan Chair Professor, NIAS
@ : sanjay.srivastava@nias.res.in
Date : 30th September 2026
Time : 9.30 AM
Venue : Lecture Hall
Abstract: Coastal ecosystems—mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes—are among the most potent Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Acting simultaneously as massive carbon sinks and resilient natural buffers, these habitats lie at the intersection of global mitigation and adaptation frameworks. This talk examines the critical role of coastal ecosystems as national policy targets and their expanding integration into key international agreements, specifically the Paris Agreement (via Nationally Determined Contributions) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF Target 1 & 3). This talk provides a deep dive into global trends, projections, and policy ambitions surrounding "Blue Carbon" as nations leverage coastal restoration to meet net-zero targets.
Through empirical case studies, the talk highlights the operationalization of Blue Carbon in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), with a detailed look at Singapore's strategic approach—leveraging high-density coastal carbon accounting and innovative urban marine spatial planning despite severe land constraints. However, coastal adaptation is not without boundaries. The talk addresses the harsh reality of climate-induced loss and damage, highlighting the limits of soft ecosystem protection alongside the risks of maladaptation and the frequent failures of traditional 'grey' hard infrastructure—such as seawalls—against extreme sea-level rise and compounding marine thermal events. Finally, synthesis is brought to India’s extensive 7,500 km coastline. This outline a path forward for India’s coastal zone management, balancing community livelihoods, infrastructure development, and conservation to ensure sustainable, resilient, and inclusive coastal futures.
About the speaker: Dr. Radhika Bhargava Gajre is a transdisciplinary coastal geographer and researcher specializing in nature-based solutions, geospatial analysis, and environmental policy. Her research spans physical, social, and policy dimensions of tropical coastal ecosystems, with an emphasis on blue carbon accounting, climate change adaptation, and the integration of coastal nature-based solutions into national and international climate goals. She serves as a Chapter Scientist on IPCC WGII AR7 and a National Geographic Explorer with her work recently featured at the Nat Geo Museum of Exploration in Washington DC. She completed her PhD in Geography at the National University of Singapore in 2023.