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Overview

Integrated Flood Management (IFM) is a comprehensive and holistic, as opposed to fragmented, approach to managing floods that emphasizes collaboration among various stakeholders, disciplines, and sectors. IFM recognizes that flooding is a complex and interconnected challenge that requires multifaceted solutions to reduce the impact of floods on communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure. In contrast to flood control, flood management is not only trying to reduce or prevent the detrimental effects of flood waters but rather reduce the overall risk of floods by considering environmental preservation and balancing development needs with flood risk towards a sustainable development. It is an essential component of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and represents a shift from traditional, single-sector approaches to a more collaborative and sustainable model. By incorporating a range of strategies and engaging diverse stakeholders, IFM aims to build resilience and reduce the adverse impacts of flooding on communities and ecosystems. Ongoing research, technological advancements, and international cooperation continue to shape the evolution of IFM practices worldwide. [1]

The concept of Integrated Flood Management has been significantly developed and is still spearheaded by the Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM). Initiated in 2001 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Global Water Partnership (GWP), APFM aims to promote the concept of Integrated Flood Management globally. APFM provides guidance, tools, and support for countries to develop and implement integrated approaches to flood management, fostering resilience and sustainable practices.[2]

Key Principles of Integrated Flood Management [3][4]

  1. Collaboration: IFM encourages collaboration among government agencies, local communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia, and other stakeholders. The coordination of efforts across different sectors is essential for developing effective flood management strategies. It builds on a whole-of-society approach which a focus on the most vulnerable to floods like refugees, poor, women, disabled, minorities and others.
  2. Sustainability: IFM aims to balance environmental, social, and economic considerations. Sustainable flood management practices seek to minimize the negative impact of flood events on the environment and communities while promoting long-term resilience.
  3. Adaptive Management: IFM recognizes the dynamic nature of flood risk and the need for adaptive strategies. Flexibility and the ability to adjust management approaches based on changing conditions are crucial for effective flood management.

Components of Integrated Flood Management[5]

IFM focuses on reducing the risk of flooding through a combination of structural and non-structural measures. This includes the construction of flood control infrastructure, land-use planning, early warning systems, and community engagement. It also deals with the residual risk through flood response, insurance schemes etc.

  1. Risk Assessment and Mapping: Comprehensive risk assessments and floodplain mapping are fundamental components of IFM. These tools help identify vulnerable areas, evaluate potential impacts, and guide the development of targeted mitigation measures.
  2. Land Use Planning: IFM integrates land use planning as a critical strategy to reduce vulnerability to flooding. Proper zoning, urban planning, and the preservation of natural floodplains contribute to more resilient communities.
  3. Infrastructure Development: Structural measures, such as dams, levees, and flood barriers, play a role in IFM by reducing the physical impact of floods. However, it is essential to balance these measures with ecological considerations and potential downstream impacts.
  4. Early Warning Systems: Timely and accurate flood warnings are crucial for minimizing the loss of life and property. IFM promotes the development and implementation of end-to-end early warning systems that provide communities with the information needed to prepare for and respond to flood events.
  5. Community Approach: Involving local communities in flood management is a key principle of IFM. Communities often have valuable knowledge about local conditions, and their active participation can enhance the effectiveness of flood management efforts.
  6. Ecosystem-Based Approaches/ Nature-based Solutions: IFM recognizes the importance of ecosystems in regulating water flow and reducing the impacts of floods. Preserving and restoring wetlands, forests, and other natural features can contribute to sustainable flood management
  7. Managing Residual Risks: In the majority of cases, it will not be possible to remove flood risk completely. Therefore IFM also takes the residual flood risk into consideration, which includes contingency planning and emergency response as well as recovery plans by building back better.


Examples of countries where IFM is applied

  1. Netherlands: The Netherlands is known for its innovative and integrated approach to water management, including flood protection. The country employs a combination of dikes, polders, floodplains, and adaptive strategies to manage flood risk. Initially, polders had primarily agricultural function, contributing to agricultural production. Currently their function vary, including: flood control, agricultural, industrial, recreational, landscape and geodiversity and biodiversity protection functions." [6]
  2. Bangladesh: Bangladesh has implemented a community-based approach to flood management, involving local residents in the construction and maintenance of embankments, early warning systems, and other protective measures.[7]

References

  1. ^ Grabs, W.; Tyagi, A.C.; Hyodo, M. (2007-08-01). "Integrated flood management". Water Science and Technology. 56 (4): 97–103. doi:10.2166/wst.2007.541. ISSN 0273-1223.
  2. ^ Jarraud, Michel (2006-02-16), "State of the art in policy development and implementation – From flood management to Integrated Flood Management", Floods, from Defence to Management, Taylor & Francis, retrieved 2023-12-19
  3. ^ Katyal, Ashok K.; Petrisor, Ioana G. (2011-09). "Flood Management Strategies for a Holistic Sustainable Development". Environmental Forensics. 12 (3): 206–218. doi:10.1080/15275922.2011.595051. ISSN 1527-5922. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ Samuels, P; Morris, M; Sayers, P; Creutin, J; Kortenhaus, A; Klijn, F; Mosselman, E; Van Os, A; Schanze, J (2008-10), "Advances in flood risk management from the FLOODsite project", Flood Risk Management: Research and Practice, CRC Press, pp. 433–443, retrieved 2023-12-19 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ Grobicki, A.; MacLeod, F.; Pischke, F. (2015-02-12). "Integrated policies and practices for flood and drought risk management". Water Policy. 17 (S1): 180–194. doi:10.2166/wp.2015.009. ISSN 1366-7017.
  6. ^ Calder, Ian R.; Aylward, Bruce (2006-03). "Forest and Floods". Water International. 31 (1): 87–99. doi:10.1080/02508060608691918. ISSN 0250-8060. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ Gain, Animesh; Mondal, M.; Rahman, Rezaur (2017-01-17). "From Flood Control to Water Management: A Journey of Bangladesh towards Integrated Water Resources Management". Water. 9 (1): 55. doi:10.3390/w9010055. ISSN 2073-4441.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draft:Integrated_Flood_Management&oldid=1190747486

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