Abstract
Climate change and socio-economic development result in increasing flood risk which challenges flood risk management policy making and practice. Each situation, however, is different and calls for not only understanding the natural context, but also the socio-economic and cultural context. Only then Flood Risk Management strategies can be designed that are not only 1) fit for purpose but also 2) feasible for local implementation and 3) sustainable into the future. Flood consequences that are accepted in some cultures (fatalist), may not be acceptable in other cultures (controlist). This calls for considering the local normative context in order to understand current differences in policy and practice. More importantly, the design of strategic alternatives for Flood Risk Management into the future should consider this socio-economic and cultural context as well because not every society aims for the same goals in the same proportion, nor is equally willing or capable to implement and maintain sophisticated infrastructure and dedicated institutions. Based on literature on cultural theory and national cultures, we hypothesized that acknowledging socio-economic and cultural differences would allow to better appreciate the rationale of current flood risk management policies and practices in different parts of the world. By analysing cases related to Deltares projects abroad, we explored whether these factors explain the main differences observed. Based on this preliminary exploration, we propose a shortlist of factors to consider when designing future flood risk management strategies tailored to local socio-economic and cultural contexts.
Highlights
Climate change and socio-economic development result in increasing flood risk which challenges flood risk management policy making and practice
By analysing cases related to Deltares projects abroad, we explored whether these factors explain the main differences observed. Based on this preliminary exploration, we propose a shortlist of factors to consider when designing future flood risk management strategies tailored to local socio-economic and cultural contexts
Developing countries complain about the many plans, drafted by foreign consultants that do not come with the required funding or call for huge loans, or that are otherwise unsuited for local implementation
Summary
Flood risk management is one of many means to achieve sustainable development, and not a goal in itself. Flood risk management can be considered a balancing act in which the costs of designing, implementing and sustaining a strategy should be proportional to the benefits of having the strategy in terms of reduced risks (Van der Most et al, 2014; Kind, 2014) and development potential This is the simple, utilitarian perspective (cf Eijgenraam et al, 2017). A sound policy analysis (Mayer, Van der Most & Bots, 2002) requires that the flood risk assessment is followed by the design of strategic alternatives, as well as their full assessment, and culminating in the definition of a preferred strategy In this context, a flood risk management strategy can be defined by its content, i.e. as a comprehensive set of physical in terventions and policy instruments (cf FLOODsite, 2009; Marchand et al, 2012; WMO, 2017). Our aim is to not prescribe a certain approach too soon, but to rather sensitize technical specialists and consulting engineers who work or are going to work abroad
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