This paper seeks to examine the links between ecosystem services, urbanisation and resilience to climate change, using the case of Gorakhpur City in eastern Uttar Pradesh. This includes understanding the notion of an ecosystem and how urban transformations, unless carefully planned and implemented, can impact such ecosystems adversely. It argues that not adhering to certain basic principles of an ecosystem-based approach to development, including in the understanding of urban, peri-urban and rural areas and their associated systems, can be detrimental for both populations and the ecosystem itself. For instance, in the process of urban sprawl at the peri-urban interface, areas...

A resilient city is one that is able to respond positively to numerous emerging challenges that interact with each other to exacerbate the overall impact, such as climate change, disaster events, rapid urbanisation and poverty. Bahadur et al. (2013) reviewed the literature to distil ten key characteristics of resilience, including: high diversity; effective governance and institutions; the ability to work with uncertainty and change; community involvement and the appropriation of local knowledge; preparedness and planning for disturbances; high social and economic equity; robust social values and structures; acknowledging non equilibrium dynamics; continual and effective learning; and the adoption of a...

The intervention area comprises of two clusters of peri-urban villages. The first consists of five villages: Semra Devi Prasad, Chakra II, Khatwatia, Pipra and Jharwa. The second has three villages: Sanjhai, Nuruddhin Chak, and Jangle Bahadur Ali. The first cluster falls in the Khorabar Block in Gorakhpur District and is located in southwest part of the city’s master plan area. The second cluster is located in the northwest part of the master plan in Chargawan Block. Both sites are demarcated for agricultural land use in the city’s 2021 master plan.

A survey conducted by GEAG reveals that the total population...

It is all about the land. The land is our maker or our destroyer. Outsiders care for the land only, not for us. City dwellers want our land to build houses on plots and pay a fancy price. But we don’t get al.,l the money. The dalals (agents) take it away. In any case, how long does money last?

Sonora Devi, aged 65, is a woman farmer from Chakra Doyam village. According to Sonora, her husband Sukku was duped by some realtors of 1.7 acres of land some years ago. The realtors said that they would loan Sukku money for...

Using Gorakhpur City as a case study, this paper has attempted to demonstrate how climate resilience can be built sustainably. Protecting ecosystems and ecosystem services in peri-urban areas is essential to the survival of the poor. These services also enhance the city’s resilience. For instance, a critical ecosystem service provided by ‘open spaces’ like orchards and fields that act as buffers can enhance Gorakhpur’s resilience to flooding. Construction that usurps these spaces reduces the resilience of the city.

Overall supporting, provisioning, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services enhance the redundancy and flexibility of urban systems. They can help ensure that any...