Reports

AKAH’s Rural Habitat Development Program 2.0 

Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, India has been working on improving housing, sanitation, and infrastructure of marginalized communities since 1991. A natural culmination of the efforts was the Rural Habitat Development Program in the Northern and Southern regions of Saurashtra in Gujarat. This study highlights the natural evolution of the interventions and more advanced initiatives […]

Structured Approach to Urban Ecosystem Health Assessment

This report lays out the different Nature Based Solutions (NBS) that can be incorporated to address a range of environmental, social, and economic issues in a sustainable manner. The goal of NBS is to preserve the integrity of ecosystems, restore degraded ecosystems, and improve sustainable management of ecosystems. 

Reducing Instances of Urban Heat Islands Through Technological and Community-based Interventions

Urban areas are prone to higher temperatures owing to a variety of urbanization-related factors. AKAH, along with IIT Hyderabad, was able to realize reduction in indoor temperatures of at least 4.3 degrees Celsius in its pilot project, demonstrating how large-scale implementation of these interventions can help reduce temperatures and combat global warming. 

Reducing Man-Animal Conflicts in Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ)

AKAH’s pilot project “Integrated Rural Habitat Development Programme(IRHDP)” consisted of interventions across 25 villages in Gir in Phase I and 15 villages in Phase II. The efforts to sensitize the community to climate change have shown a positive effect on environmental upgradation and biodiversity conservation. 

Strategizing a Framework to Reduce Climate Vulnerabilities of Urban Areas 

Emerging natural disasters owing to climate change necessitate a closer look at vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies in urban areas. AKAH utilized its tools of Hazard Vulnerability Risk Assessment and Ecosystem Health assessment framework to implement preventive, mitigative, and adaptive strategies against climate change and its effects. 

Understand Floristic Composition in Gir to Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict 

The floristic composition of the Gir landscape is important to be understood in order to conserve biodiversity and ensure optimal ecosystem functioning and human well-being. The area lies in between the forests of Gir and human settlements, and the study aims to understand and lay down principles for the harmonious existence of humans, wildlife, and the

Ecosystem-based Practices for Enhancing Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Coastal Communities

The study aims to develop a pathway led by an ecosystem-centered and community-based approach to enhance the livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations, particularly women, in the coastal areas of India which are prone to climate change and natural disasters.

Creating Guidelines for Disaster Resilient and Bio-climatic Designing of Houses for Saurashtra, Gujarat  

The study looks deeply into reducing the temperatures of housing infrastructures in Saurashtra through bio-climatic design principles. Emphasizing on design, as well as occupant behaviour and lifestyle practices to reduce demand for energy and ultimately devise a low-cost design for rural dwellings. 

Exploring the Utilization of Bamboo for Economically Viable Construction Components and for a Sustainable Value Chain

Traditional skill sets are abundant in terms of huts, poles, and plant support systems. This report studies the feasibility of bamboo for new use cases such as furniture, weather-resistant housing, strong fencing needs, and long-term viable construction products.

Enabling Smarter and Eco-friendly Reconstruction and Housing Facilities 

 AKAH’s report on a model for affordable housing repairs at individual as well as community levels, especially for the economically weaker sections (EWS), keeping in mind the tenets of basic human rights.