Equitable flood resilience framework for humans and ecosystems
Journal
River Flow - Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Fluvial Hydraulics
Part Of
River Flow - Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Fluvial Hydraulics
Date Issued
2024-09-02
Author(s)
Tun S.S.
Abstract
This study explores flooding, traditionally viewed as a hazard, within the context of ecological processes and dynamics. While flood protection has historically focused on mitigating human-based risks through engineering, this often disrupts ecosystems and environmental equilibrium. Recognizing the limitations of this anthropocentric paradigm, the study advocates shifting flood risk management towards building resilience and adaptive strategies. Flood resilience emphasizes leveraging intact ecosystems’ capacity to absorb, persist, and adapt. The study establishes a quantitative framework integrating ecosystem contributions into flood resilience, introducing indices quantifying ecosystem-related attributes. These are incorporated into an existing resilience tool, enhancing applicability across social, physical, and economic dimensions over short and long timeframes. The study initiates a dialogue between engineers and ecologists to facilitate adapting to evolving environmental and social circumstances, enhancing multi-scale resilience. This holistic approach aims to address challenges posed by climate change, acknowledging the complex relationship between human systems and the environment.
Event(s)
12th International Conference on Fluvial Hydraulics, River Flow 2024, Liverpool, 2 September 2024 through 6 September 2024. Code 330059
Type
conference paper