Towards Integrated Approaches to Reduce Flood Risk in Urban Areas

The approach to flood risk management in Europe has changed in recent times. There has been a move away from “defence” to risk-based cost benefit approaches. In addition, there has also been a widespread recognition that it is not possible to provide universal flood protection for human habitation and activities, due both to the rate of change in environmental systems, such as climate change, but also in view of the high costs involved. It has therefore become increasingly necessary to engage with stakeholders and communities in general so that they are better prepared for flooding, and so that they can also take an active role in decision making for where, when and how investments and measures are taken. Across Europe and in many other parts of the world, the advent of detailed computer based models for predicting flooding and the effectiveness of response measures has led to a more integrated view being taken. Integrated flood management, particularly in urban areas, is essential if the complex flood related processes are to be properly understood and dealt with. Integration does, however, need to be addressed in all aspects of flood management are dealt with including: policy, regulation, decision making and engagement, as well as in the technical approaches. The process of adopting an integrated approach view has only just begun and much more needs to be done, with integration ultimately spanning the entire water cycle, not only flood risk management.