C40 Cities seeks a consultant or consultancy firm to develop city-level guidelines for Resilient and Inclusive Parks in Bengaluru, India, under the C40xMARS Urban Nature Programme. The work covers policy audit, typology classification, site assessments, and integrated design guidelines. Deadline: 31 March 2026.
About C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group
C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities working to deliver urgent action to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone can thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using a science-based and people-focused approach to limit global heating in line with the Paris Agreement and build healthy, equitable, and resilient communities. C40’s work is made possible by its two strategic funders: Bloomberg Philanthropies and Realdania. The current co-chairs are Mayor Sadiq Khan of London and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Background
Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka and India’s fifth largest city, has seen a 95% population increase over two decades and a 170% increase in built-up area since 1985, resulting in the loss of green cover from 68.27% (1973) to less than 15% (2013). This rapid urbanisation has adversely impacted ecosystems, biodiversity, public health, and climate resilience. The C40xMARS Urban Nature Programme supports five cities – Bengaluru, Bangkok, London, Los Angeles, and Sao Paulo – in testing solutions to improve access and quality of urban green spaces. Bengaluru’s Climate Action Plan highlights the role of greening and nature-based solutions in improving quality of life, reducing emissions, and building resilience.
About this RFP
C40 is seeking a consultant or consultancy firm to work closely with C40 and Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to develop city-level guidelines for Resilient and Inclusive Parks in Bengaluru, guided by three pillars:
Three Guiding Pillars
* Fit for Purpose: Quality infrastructure and services to ensure green spaces meet the daily functional needs of diverse users and pets; standards for well-equipped and safe parks with quality furniture, lighting, signage, and landscaping.
* Climate Resilience and Biodiversity: Integration of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to address climate risks such as urban heat and flooding; expanding permeable surfaces, installing rain gardens, increasing tree canopy cover, creating habitat buffers, and selecting native plant species.
* Accessible and Inclusive Public Spaces: Socially equitable, accessible parks for people across genders, ages, physical abilities, and vulnerable sections; universal design principles, shaded infrastructure, safe recreation zones for children, elderly, and pets, and extended operating hours.
Key Deliverables
* Deliverable A: Landscape Assessment (Baseline)
* Deliverable B: Resilient and Inclusive Parks Guidelines for Bengaluru
Scope of Work
* Conduct a Policy Audit of Bengaluru’s inclusive urban greening policies
* Develop a Typology Classification Framework for existing green spaces
* Ensure Contextual Relevance through site-specific audits using established KPIs
* Establish Integrated Guidelines – data-driven and cross-sectoral design and policy guidelines