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Social Science

Making Room for Our Forthcoming Rivers

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Andrea Gianni Cristoforo Nardini

Andrea Gianni Cristoforo Nardini

Fundación CREACUA, Calle 1A n.1-109, Riohacha, La Guajira 440001, Colombia

Nardiniok@gmail.com

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© attribution CC-BY

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1995 Views

Added on

2022-05-03

Doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/w14081220

Related Subjects
Law
Politics
Economics
Geography
Education
Sociology

Abstract

This paper provides a schematic, conceptual trip across a set of paradigms that can be adopted to design flood control actions and the associated river setting, including the space allocated to the river. By building on such paradigms, it eventually delineates an integrated approach to identify a socially desirable river setting, under a climate changing reality. The key point addressed is that when residual Risk and Operation, Management and Replacement costs are considered to their full extent, even a basic economic analysis may suggest alternative river settings that can be more attractive, particularly if accompanied by suitable economic-administrative management measures. Emphasis is put on the deep uncertainty characterizing the whole decision problem and on the need for a drastic change of paradigm. The approach proposed can greatly improve current Flood Risk Management Plans responding to the European Flood Directive (Directive 2007/60/EC). It can also help to develop constructive dialogues with stakeholders, while enhancing the understanding of the problem. Although mainly intended to address a conceptual level, it also aims at providing an applicable method.

Key Questions

What is the main focus of the article "Making Room for Our Forthcoming Rivers"?

The article focuses on rethinking river settings and flood risk management in the context of climate change. It proposes a paradigm shift to allocate more space to rivers, emphasizing the need for adaptive planning, cost-benefit analysis, and integrated approaches to reduce flood risk while considering socio-economic and environmental factors.

Why is climate change a critical factor in rethinking river settings?

Climate change is critical because it leads to more frequent and intense flood events, altered hydrological regimes, and rising sea levels. These changes necessitate a reevaluation of traditional flood control methods and the allocation of more space to rivers to accommodate their dynamic behavior under future climate conditions.

What is the "classic engineering paradigm" of flood control?

The classic engineering paradigm involves controlling rivers through structural measures like levees, dredging, and bank defenses to prevent flooding. This approach aims to "put the territory in safe conditions" but often fails to account for residual risk, climate change, and the long-term costs of maintenance and replacement.

What is the "total risk paradigm" in flood management?

The total risk paradigm incorporates both the risk within protected areas and the residual risk from events exceeding design thresholds or structural failures. It emphasizes that flood risk cannot be entirely eliminated and advocates for a more comprehensive approach that includes reducing vulnerability and improving resilience.

How does the article propose to address uncertainty in flood risk management?

The article proposes a strict uncertainty framework, acknowledging that future climate scenarios and hydrological variables are highly uncertain. It suggests using adaptive planning, risk-averse decision-making, and flexible strategies to manage uncertainty and ensure long-term resilience.

What role does Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) play in the proposed approach?

CBA is used as a tool to evaluate and compare different river setting alternatives. It helps balance the costs of flood control measures (including operation, maintenance, and replacement) with the benefits of reduced risk and improved environmental and social outcomes.

What are "Nature-Based Solutions" (NBS) in flood management?

Nature-Based Solutions involve using natural processes and ecosystems to manage flood risk. Examples include restoring wetlands, creating floodplains, and using vegetation to stabilize riverbanks. NBS are seen as more sustainable and flexible compared to traditional "grey" infrastructure.

How does the article suggest managing flood risk in urban areas?

The article suggests equipping urban areas to "live with floods" by reducing exposure and vulnerability. This includes measures like water-proofing buildings, creating flood-resilient infrastructure, and designing cities to temporarily store or redirect floodwaters during extreme events.

What is the concept of "river corridors" in the article?

River corridors refer to wide areas allocated to rivers, allowing them to meander, flood, and adjust their morphology naturally. This approach reduces the need for rigid structural defenses and enhances the river's ability to adapt to changing hydrological conditions.

What are the key challenges in implementing the proposed paradigm shift?

Key challenges include overcoming socio-political resistance, securing funding for large-scale land use changes, and managing the long-term costs of maintaining adaptive flood control measures. Additionally, integrating climate change predictions into planning and ensuring stakeholder participation are critical.

How does the article address the role of governance in flood risk management?

The article emphasizes the need for strong governance to support adaptive decision-making, stakeholder participation, and the implementation of integrated flood risk management strategies. It calls for institutionalizing adaptive management processes and ensuring long-term financial and political commitment.

What is the significance of adaptive planning in flood risk management?

Adaptive planning is significant because it allows for flexibility in responding to uncertain future climate conditions. It involves periodically revisiting and adjusting flood risk management strategies based on new information, evolving risks, and changing societal priorities.

How does the article propose to balance flood risk reduction with environmental conservation?

The article proposes a multi-objective approach that balances flood risk reduction with environmental conservation by integrating ecological health, social well-being, and economic considerations into flood risk management plans. This includes prioritizing Nature-Based Solutions and restoring natural river processes.

What are the limitations of the current Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) in Europe?

Current FRMPs often have short planning horizons, fail to fully account for climate change, and rely too heavily on traditional engineering solutions. They also lack a unified, consistent approach to modeling and evaluating flood risk, and often do not incorporate long-term adaptive strategies.

What is the role of stakeholder participation in the proposed approach?

Stakeholder participation is crucial for identifying flood risk management priorities, generating innovative solutions, and ensuring social acceptance of proposed measures. The article advocates for a participatory decision-making process that involves stakeholders at all levels, from local communities to policymakers.

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Article usage: May-2022 to May-2025
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2025 May 131 131
2025 April 82 82
2025 March 89 89
2025 February 57 57
2025 January 68 68
2024 December 47 47
2024 November 62 62
2024 October 71 71
2024 September 131 131
2024 August 52 52
2024 July 118 118
2024 June 40 40
2024 May 46 46
2024 April 62 62
2024 March 44 44
2024 February 45 45
2024 January 37 37
2023 December 44 44
2023 November 56 56
2023 October 32 32
2023 September 27 27
2023 August 19 19
2023 July 34 34
2023 June 26 26
2023 May 36 36
2023 April 38 38
2023 March 53 53
2023 February 1 1
2023 January 7 7
2022 December 79 79
2022 November 59 59
2022 October 38 38
2022 September 33 33
2022 August 51 51
2022 July 45 45
2022 June 95 95
2022 May 40 40
Total 1995 1995
Show by month Manuscript Video Summary
2025 May 131 131
2025 April 82 82
2025 March 89 89
2025 February 57 57
2025 January 68 68
2024 December 47 47
2024 November 62 62
2024 October 71 71
2024 September 131 131
2024 August 52 52
2024 July 118 118
2024 June 40 40
2024 May 46 46
2024 April 62 62
2024 March 44 44
2024 February 45 45
2024 January 37 37
2023 December 44 44
2023 November 56 56
2023 October 32 32
2023 September 27 27
2023 August 19 19
2023 July 34 34
2023 June 26 26
2023 May 36 36
2023 April 38 38
2023 March 53 53
2023 February 1 1
2023 January 7 7
2022 December 79 79
2022 November 59 59
2022 October 38 38
2022 September 33 33
2022 August 51 51
2022 July 45 45
2022 June 95 95
2022 May 40 40
Total 1995 1995
Related Subjects
Law
Politics
Economics
Geography
Education
Sociology
copyright icon

© attribution CC-BY

  • 0

rating
1995 Views

Added on

2022-05-03

Doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/w14081220

Related Subjects
Law
Politics
Economics
Geography
Education
Sociology

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