The available resources in the face of flood risk

This comparative study examines flood Risk management in France, Belgium, Finland, and England, focusing on the financial, legal, and technical tools adopted by each country. We will analyze financial mechanisms such as insurance and dedicated funds, the legal frameworks governing water management and regulation of high-Risk areas, as well as technical approaches including protective infrastructures and monitoring systems. This in-depth analysis will extract insights into best practices and the different strategies employed by these nations to enhance their Resilience against flood Risk.

1. Financial Tools

Financial tools refer to the financial instruments and mechanisms implemented to finance and support initiatives aimed at preventing, mitigating, and responding to flood risks. In this section, we aim to list the main tools for each country.

In France, there is a state of Natural Disaster. Flooding can be declared a Natural Disaster through an interministerial decree, triggering a compensation mechanism. This is funded by taxpayers, with each insured individual paying an 18% premium on their vehicle and home insurance Policies. Subsequently, the financial burden falls on the state through the Central Reinsurance Fund (CCR), a wholly state-owned company that guarantees private insurance funds. Within the CCR, the Natural Major Risks Prevention Fund (FPRNM) or Barnier Fund is utilized. This fund also allows residents to relocate outside high-Risk areas and ensures the safety of vacated sites.

In Finland, there is no specific fund mentioned for prevention work in flood-prone areas, and residents do not benefit from particular financial aid in this regard. For the post-flood phase, since 2014, the victim compensation system has ended, transferring damage coverage to private insurance companies operating in the country.

In Belgium, during the post-flood phase, there is the Regional Calamity Fund, which provides financial support when floods are recognized as a public natural calamity. This fund is established at the regional level to address the specific needs of each region in the event of a Disaster.

In England, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) Fund plays a significant role in providing resources to public institutions for managing flood and coastal erosion risks. However, residents do not receive specific financial aid for prevention work. For the post-flood phase, aside from private insurance, the Flood Re agreement between the government and insurance companies offers specific coverage for domestic properties considered at significant Risk of flooding.

2. Legal Tools

Legal tools refer to the set of laws, regulations, Policies, and legislative measures established by authorities to frame, regulate, and manage activities related to the prevention, Mitigation, and response to floods. These legal instruments aim to set standards, define responsibilities, delineate Risk zones, and provide the necessary framework for the implementation of flood protection and management measures.

In France, the implementation of the European Union’s Floods Directive relies on the National Flood Risk Management Strategy (SNGRI), which aims to increase population safety, reduce damage costs, and expedite the rehabilitation of affected areas. At a local and more concrete level, the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (SLGRI) allows for a new approach to flood management at the local level. These objectives involve developing knowledge, security, and the territory’s Resilience while organizing stakeholders. Concerning civil management, Decree No. 2013-1113 of December 4, 2013, establishes the status of national security, organizing the powers of the Directorate of Civil Protection and Security. Regarding coastal management, the Grenelle Laws and Grenelle 2 Law create basic tools for national marine space planning.

In Finland, the implementation of the Floods Directive relies on the Flood Risk Management Act and the Water Management Act (2004). The latter covers integrated water management, including flood prevention, with the objective of ensuring sustainable water use while preventing risks related to water quality and floods. In terms of civil management, the Emergency Preparedness Act (1991) establishes the foundations for emergency preparedness by defining the responsibilities of authorities, businesses, and the population. Concerning coastal management, Flanders has developed the “Masterplan for Coastal Safety” and the “Vlaamse Baaien.”

In Belgium, the implementation of the Floods Directive is carried out through the Decree on Integrated Water Policy in Flanders, regulating water management at the national level, integrating flood defense and flood Risk control. For civil management, in the absence of a national-scale plan, the Royal Decree of February 16, 2006, defines responsibilities based on the scale of the event. Regarding coastal management, Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) are implemented, ensuring localized coastal management.

In England, the implementation of the Floods Directive relies on The Flood and Water Management Act 2010, which distributes responsibilities among various agencies at all administrative levels. Concerning civil management, the Civil Contingencies Act (2004) allows for planning and emergency response in all regions of the United Kingdom, from local to national levels. Regarding coastal management, the Coastal Concordat (2013) coordinates development planning processes in coastal areas.

3. Technical tools

In flood Risk management, the use of technical tools plays a crucial role in devising effective strategies. These tools encompass urban planning devices, hydrological monitoring systems, flood forecasting models, and innovative technologies aimed at bolstering community Resilience.

In France, a comprehensive approach is implemented with various plans such as Plans for Preventing Predictable Natural Risks (PPRN), Rapid Submersion Plans (PSR), and Flood Risk Management Plans (PGRI). These plans are developed at the watershed level, integrated into Water Development and Management Master Plans (SDAGE), and sometimes complemented by Local Flood Risk Management Strategies (SLGRI) for high-Risk territories. Alongside these plans, tools like the Departmental Document on Major Risks (DDRM) and the Communal Information Document on Major Risks (DICRIM) are used to inform citizens, while the Vigicrues network ensures continuous monitoring.

In Finland, flood Risk management plans are established in high-Risk zones. Additionally, the 2017 National Guidelines on Land Use contribute to Risk reduction through appropriate land-use planning. ELY centers recommend minimum building heights for their respective zones. Surveillance bodies such as the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) and HERTTA play a key role in flood Risk monitoring.

In Belgium, the absence of a national flood emergency plan translates into Flood Risk Management Plans (PGRI) at the scale of International Hydrographic Districts. Responsibilities during a crisis are defined based on the event’s magnitude. The monitoring body, the Royal Meteorological Institute, assumes a crucial role in this management.

In England, the Civil Contingencies Act (2004) enables national-scale planning and emergency intervention, while Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) focus on localized coastal management. The Coastal Concordat (2013) coordinates development planning processes in coastal areas. The Environment Agency (EA) engages in civil society awareness activities, thereby enhancing proactive flood Risk management. The Environment Agency (EA) assumes the role of the monitoring body.

Figure 1: Summary table of legal, financial and technical tools for each case study

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