ANU scientists crack code on using nature to stop floods  

With floods becoming more frequent, severe and unpredictable due to climate change, new, nature-based approaches to flood management are gaining attention. To help communities better understand how these approaches can help mitigate floods, experts at The Australian National University (ANU) have developed a new toolkit.

ANU Associate Professor Roslyn Prinsley said flood mitigation has long relied on traditional engineering infrastructure such as dams and levees.

But that is changing, with a new focus on using natural systems such as tree planting and creating wetlands.

“Nature-based Solutions reduce the impact of floods by detaining floodwater, reducing the energy and extent of floodwater, or diverting floodwater away from vulnerable areas,” Associate Professor Prinsley said.

“They also provide significant co-benefits, particularly to the environment.

“These solutions aim to make the landscapes themselves more sustainable and resilient through, for example, biodiversity conservation and water quality improvement. Imagine what a difference Nature-based Solutions would make if they could both reduce flood risk and provide a host of other benefits all over Australia, helping our communities adapt to climate risk.”

According to Associate Professor Prinsley, however, the enthusiasm for Nature-based Solutions has not been matched by evidence and “know-how”. To combat this, the researchers sought out existing research and worked with local councils and communities in New South Wales and Queensland to develop a set of guidelines.

“The National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA) recently released by the Australian Government tells us the frequency and severity of extreme weather events is on the rise.  But while Nature-based Solutions are gaining more attention, there’s not enough information about how they actually work. These guidelines aim to bridge that gap,” Associate Professor Prinsley said.

“Where you put certain Nature-based Solutions in a catchment really impacts how effective they are, so careful planning and design are required. This document provides a framework and tools to support the design and implementation of Nature-based Solutions for flood mitigation.

“The guidelines translate evidence from around the world, together with catchment studies in partnership with local councils and communities. They play an important role in climate adaptation and disaster resilience.”

The National Guidelines for Nature-based Solutions for flood mitigation are available online.

The project was awarded $1,204,039 by the National Emergency Management Agency in Round Three of the Disaster Risk Reduction Package (DRRP), and a further $303,000 in Round Four of the DRRP, taking the total Commonwealth funding for this project to $1,507,039 (excluding GST).