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.

Protection and preservation of existing meadows and pastures-image
Protection and preservation of existing meadows and pastures main image

Protection and preservation of existing meadows and pastures

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

Surface runoff at meadows and pastures is attenuated compared to land under arable crops. Thus, a high proportion of meadows and pastures increases the retention capacity of agricultural used land and reduces the surface runoff. Therefore, the preservation of existing meadows against cultivation of crops or building activities especially in head water areas, on slopes, in runoff pathways and along watercourses is a contribution to heavy rain risk reduction.

Fields of action Settlement areas,Farmland
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: Reduce erosion and/or sediment delivery; Increase evapotranspiration; Increase soil water retention; Absorb and/or retain CO2; Climate change adaptation and mitigation; Groundwater/aquifer recharge; Filtration of pollutants

Check out the RAINMAN good practice examples:

READ MORE:

  • Office International de l’Eau (2015): Natural Water Retention Measures, URL: http://nwrm.eu (19.03.2020): meadows and pastures
  • Amt der Oberösterreichischen Landesregierung (2015): Hangwassermanagement Maßnahmenkatalog [management of pluvial floods catalogue of measures] (unpublished brochure, online version accessible at URL: https://www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at/222593.htm): spezifische Grünlandwidmung, Schutzzonen
PICTURES:

Christoph Albrecht, Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology