Where next in flood risk management? A personal view on research needs and directions

Samuels, P.G. (2012) Where next in flood risk management? A personal view on research needs and directions. In: FLOODrisk 2012, 20-22 November 2012, Rotterdam.

PDF HRPP568_Where_next_in_flood_risk_management.pdf Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (204kB)

Abstract

Over the past three decades or more, much research and development effort and resource has been devoted in national and international programmes to reduce the impact of floods and flooding. The way in which this research has been commissioned and organised has changed over the decades in response to the evolution of policy from the technical focus of flood defence to the multidisciplinary character of flood risk management. This paper begins with a look back at some illustrative programmes and approaches (drawn from the UK and the EC) before moving onto a personal view of the drivers of future flood risk and its management and the priorities for generation of further knowledge and understanding. After identifying the importance to R&D of the availability of and access to reliable data, I discuss research needs in support of three general areas: firstly on long-term planning and options assessment, secondly on management of flood emergencies and thirdly on exploring adaptation and resilience to floods. Finally, it is essential that, whatever research is done in the future, there is a clear plan and commitment for the research outcomes to be brought into practice.

Actions (for site administrators only - login required)

View Item