Non-Structural Flood Management in European Rural Mountain Areas-Are Scientists Supporting Implementation?
December 1, 2021 - Conitz, Felix; Zingraff-Hamed, Aude; Lupp, Gerd; Pauleit, Stephan
Print
EmailJournal or Book Title: HYDROLOGY
Abstract: Mountain areas are highly exposed to flood risks. The latter are increasing in the context of climate change, urbanization, and land use changes. Non-structural approaches such as nature-based solutions can provide opportunities to reduce the risks of such natural hazards and provide further ecological, social, and economic benefits. However, few non-structural flood mitigation measures are implemented in rural mountain areas so far. The objective of this paper is to investigate if the scientific boundaries limit the implementation of non-structural flood management in rural mountain areas. In the study, we statistically analyzed the knowledge about flood management through a systematic literature review and expert surveys, with a focus on European rural mountain areas. Both methods showed that scientific knowledge is available for decision makers and that nature-based solutions are efficient, cost-effective, multifunctional, and have potential for large-scale implementation.
Type of Publication: Article