Natural flood management for disaster risk reduction

Adding multiple smaller wetlands to the landscape can make large reservoirs more effective at flood control, according to a new study from Tulane University published in Environmental Research Letters.

River barriers made up of natural materials like trees, branches, logs and leaves can reduce flooding in at-risk communities by storing water upstream, new research has found.

The FLOW river orchard was planted five years ago. It is now a thriving community project which became popular during the pandemic.

With its coastal forests, sugarcane farms and sweeping beaches, South Africa’s Durban might appear to be an ideal “spongy” city — one capable of absorbing water, which can be useful in combatting both flood disasters and drought.

A UFZ study shows: If the population feels well informed, it has a more positive view towards nature-based flood prevention.

As many parts of Australia experience increased flooding, Architecture student Bethany Hooper looks to global examples of building design and planning that centre resilience and adaptability in a changing climate.

Can Australia’s integrated urban water management (IUWM) strategies be enhanced to improve water retention and reduce flooding using nature-based solutions?