Transdisciplinary approaches to urban flood risk and green infrastructure: Lessons from Asahata Reservoir in Shizuoka, Japan

This paper examines how transdisciplinary approaches to urban flood risk management can strengthen disaster risk reduction through green infrastructure, using the Asahata Reservoir in Shizuoka, Japan as a case study . It analyses how a conventional flood control project evolved into a multifunctional system that integrates flood protection with biodiversity conservation, social inclusion and urban green space. Drawing on project documentation and field research, the study highlights how collaborative governance mechanisms enabled long-term stakeholder engagement and the delivery of multiple co-benefits for policymakers, urban planners and DRR practitioners.

The study finds that sustained, multi-stakeholder coordination is critical to achieving integrated flood management outcomes and maintaining infrastructure performance over time. It recommends establishing formal governance platforms early, strengthening collaboration across sectors, and combining public funding with community contributions to support long-term sustainability. The findings also emphasise the importance of adaptive management systems and inclusive design to address changing urban risks and social needs, demonstrating how ecosystem-based approaches can enhance resilience while delivering environmental and social benefits in urban settings.