Nature-based solutions for natural flood management

Climate projections predict a rise in the intensity and severity of extreme weather events, leading to a greater risk of flooding. With largely impermeable surface cover, urban areas are particularly vulnerable. Earthwatch Europe has worked with a global network of citizen scientists and international research partners to explore natural solutions to help control flooding in urban areas in the UK.

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How can we engage young people in nature conservation???

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Nature-based solutions for natural flood management:
No 1, Don't build in the swamps!

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Nature-based solutions for natural flood management refer to strategies that utilize natural features and processes to mitigate the impacts of flooding. These solutions are becoming increasingly popular as a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional engineered flood defenses.

Some examples of nature-based solutions for natural flood management include:

1. Wetland restoration: Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall and slowly releasing it over time. Restoring and preserving wetlands can help to reduce the risk of flooding downstream.

2. Tree planting: Trees and vegetation help to absorb water, slow down the flow of runoff, and stabilize riverbanks. Planting trees along riverbanks and in floodplains can help to reduce the risk of flooding and erosion.

3. Riparian buffers: Riparian buffers are strips of vegetation along riverbanks that help to filter out pollutants, stabilize the bank, and slow down the flow of water during heavy rainfall. These buffers can also provide habitat for wildlife.

4. Floodplain management: Managing floodplains in a way that allows them to naturally store water during heavy rainfall can help to reduce the risk of downstream flooding. This can involve measures such as avoiding development in floodplains, allowing natural floodplain vegetation to grow, and restoring historic floodplain features such as oxbows and meanders.

5. Green infrastructure: Green infrastructure refers to the use of natural features such as green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to manage stormwater runoff. These features can help to reduce the volume and velocity of runoff, which can help to reduce the risk of downstream flooding.

These nature-based solutions for natural flood management offer a range of benefits beyond just flood mitigation, including improved water quality, increased carbon sequestration, and enhanced ecosystem services such as habitat provision for wildlife. As such, they are becoming increasingly popular as a more sustainable and holistic approach to flood management. becoming increasingly popular as a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional engineered flood defenses.

Some examples of nature-based solutions for natural flood management include:

1. Wetland restoration: Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall and slowly releasing it over time. Restoring and preserving wetlands can help to reduce the risk of flooding downstream.

2. Tree planting: Trees and vegetation help to absorb water, slow down the flow of runoff, and stabilize riverbanks. Planting trees along riverbanks and in floodplains can help to reduce the risk of flooding and erosion.

3. Riparian buffers: Riparian buffers are strips of vegetation along riverbanks that help to filter out pollutants, stabilize the bank, and slow down the flow of water during heavy rainfall. These buffers can also provide habitat for wildlife.

4. Floodplain management: Managing floodplains in a way that allows them to naturally store water during heavy rainfall can help to reduce the risk of downstream flooding. This can involve measures such as avoiding development in floodplains, allowing natural floodplain vegetation to grow, and restoring historic floodplain features such as oxbows and meanders.

5. Green infrastructure: Green infrastructure refers to the use of natural features such as green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to manage stormwater runoff. These features can help to reduce the volume and velocity of runoff, which can help to reduce the risk of downstream flooding.

These nature-based solutions for natural flood management offer a range of benefits beyond just flood mitigation, including improved water quality, increased carbon sequestration, and enhanced ecosystem services such as habitat provision for wildlife. As such, they are becoming increasingly popular as a more sustainable and holistic approach to flood management.