Case studies : how they use their resources ?
Belgium, due to its federal structure, has implemented specific Policies for each region to address flood risks. These Policies cover prevention, emergency preparedness, crisis management, and post-flood recovery, with coordination at the Flemish level and collaborative efforts between federal and regional entities. Additionally, in 2010, Belgium established a Climate change Adaptation Policy (CCAP) at the federal, regional, and local levels to combat the effects of Climate change. In 2013, the Flemish government developed an action plan to take Adaptation measures in all sectors affected by Climate change.
In England, numerous Public policies are also in place to address Climate change and flood Risk management. England has developed Mitigation and Adaptation Policies, such as the National Adaptation Programme and the Third Strategy for Climate Adaptation Reporting. Flood Risk management in England, outlined in the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Policy Statement, covers five key areas: improving flood defense infrastructure, more efficient water flow management, and using nature-based solutions to reduce flood risks.
For the place called the Bouillie in Blois city, in France, measures of de-urbanization have been implemented since 2003 to restore the flood retention area and improve protection. Approximately 135 houses and 14 businesses were relocated to new deferred development areas. Following de-urbanization, the Bouillie place is perceived as an opportunity for “regeneration.” Risk management, handled by decentralized national services (such as the Direction Régionale à l’Energie, Aménagement et Logement – DREAL) becomes a resource for transforming the area into a sustainable centrality. Another resource developed in this area is the mobilization of residents in reaction to deurbanization, leading to the creation of associations to negotiate fair conditions and demand alternative solutions. New residents subsequently mobilized to shape the future of the area.
In Finland, the regulation of the Kokemäenjoki river was implemented thought the Flood Risk Management Plans in the 2016-2021 and 2022-2027. It aims to address the growing threat of winter floods is at the core of the resources used. The Säpilänniemi adjustment channel is central to this project, aiming to mitigate flood risks in the Huittinen region and across the entire river basin. However, environmental concerns, especially in Natura 2000 areas, have been raised due to this project. Unlike France, residents are not extensively engaged. Despite authorities seeking to promote a participation network, many citizens and organizations are unaware of these opportunities. This leads to low participation and uncertainty about the effectiveness of considering citizens’ views in flood Risk management. Citizens’ low awareness of risks stems from the inaccessibility of information and high trust in authorities for flood Risk management.
Forgotten Resources and Potential Improvements
Despite efforts to promote a participation network, citizen awareness of flood risks in Finland remains low due to a lack of knowledge of participation opportunities and high trust in authorities. Additionally, socially vulnerable groups do not feel adequately protected by the current flood Risk management system. Implementing more robust awareness campaigns using diverse channels, such as social media, to educate citizens about flood risks, encourage participation, and promote awareness of their individual responsibility would lead to stronger citizen awareness. For example, creating more accessible, transparent, and attractive citizen participation mechanisms. This could include online platforms, community meetings, and information sessions to encourage more direct involvement in decision-making.
In Belgium as well, residents could be more engaged. Despite the implementation of Policies such as CCAP, communication and awareness may be limited, especially at the local level. In flood Risk management policy planning, citizen participation could also be improved. Strengthening communication at all levels, focusing on local awareness through educational campaigns, community forums, and partnerships with local media, and involving citizens more in decision-making processes by establishing public consultation mechanisms, community working groups, and online tools to gather feedback and ideas could make citizen involvement easier. At the federal structure level, facilitating closer collaboration between regions (Flanders, Brussels, Wallonia) in flood Risk management by sharing best practices, data, and resources for a consistent approach could make it easier to address flood risks.
In England, the lack of community involvement is also a limiting factor leading to low awareness at the local level. Implementing community-scale awareness and education initiatives, involving residents in planning, implementation, and evaluation of flood Risk management Policies could be a possible improvement. Additionally, creating formal mechanisms to gather and integrate local knowledge and community expertise into decision-making processes would make Policies more tailored to specific regional needs. Another underutilized resource is the advanced use of technology. Investing in advanced technologies, such as advanced modeling, smart sensors, and artificial intelligence, could enhance the ability to predict and respond to floods more accurately. England does not have a property tax, representing a missing resource in the country’s Social justice aspect, unlike other countries.
Contrary to other countries, France experiences more significant citizen mobilization and public opposition. However, it is still possible to strengthen citizen participation by establishing mechanisms for continuous dialogue, public consultations, and co-design initiatives to fully integrate the needs and concerns of residents. Improving communication between local authorities and residents by providing transparent information on deurbanization processes, proposed alternatives, and potential impacts would also help avoid potential local conflicts related to a lack of communication and recognition of residents.
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