Tool risk reduction measures

100 RISK REDUCTION MEASURES

Please note:

This catalogue contains 100 measures that can contribute to the mitigation of heavy rain risks. These measures are very diverse: they range from structural to non-structural measures and from small, easy-to-implement solutions to comprehensive conceptual approaches.

The catalogue was compiled from existing catalogues from all RAINMAN partner countries as well as from knowledge and experiences made in the project without claiming universal coverage and without having expert knowledge in each of the covered business areas. Sources for further information and good practice examples are provided for a large number of the included measures.

Use the selection feature to find measures that are applicable in the field of action that you are dealing with or search for key words you are looking for.

Please consider that heavy rain risk reduction measures work best, when they are strategically applied and cleverly combined under consideration of the local conditions. Go back to RISK REDUCTION MEASURES for further guidance.

Buffer zones of riparian vegetation and areas with hydrophilic treatment plants for protecting water bodies from pollution-image
Buffer zones of riparian vegetation and areas with hydrophilic treatment plants for protecting water bodies from pollution main image

Buffer zones of riparian vegetation and areas with hydrophilic treatment plants for protecting water bodies from pollution

  • Description
  • Fields of action
  • Synergies
  • Good practice examples
  • References

The measures describe vegetation-covered systems which are in varying degrees saturated with water. They pre-treat rainwater and extend the retention time. They can serve as buffer zones around water bodies. Pollutants are removed as a result of intensive sedimentation and assimilation by aquatic vegetation and adsorption in biogeochemical barriers e.g. in the form of gabions filled with dolomite or limestone and covered with a coconut mats. They are particularly important in the case of inflow of heavily polluted waters after heavy rain events.

Fields of action Watercourses
Additionally to flood risk reduction by slowing and storing surface runoff, the measure has medium or high possible benefits for the following biophysical impacts and ecosystem services: Intercept pollution pathways; Reduce erosion and/or sediment delivery; Filtration of pollutants; Increase evapotranspiration; Increase infiltration and/or groundwater recharge; Increase soil water retention; Improve soils; Absorb and/or retain CO2; Climate change adaptation and mitigation; Biodiversity preservation; Aesthetic/cultural value; Create terrestrial habitats

Check out the RAINMAN good practice examples:

no good practice example available

READ MORE:

  • Office International de l’Eau (2015): Natural Water Retention Measures, URL: http://nwrm.eu (19.03.2020): filter strips
PICTURES:

Sabine Scharfe, Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology