Tool risk reduction measures

100 RISK REDUCTION MEASURES

Restoration of floodplains and floodplain forests, natural succession-image

Restoration of floodplains and floodplain forests, natural succession

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

Identifying and re-establishing of flood plains and deposition areas, such as by removal of protection structures for agricultural land, contributes to the retention of water along rivers and, thus, to heavy rain risk reduction. In the past, most floodplains have been taken over for other uses; former floodplain forests are separated from river and runoff pathways and modified into residual low-density forests without natural regeneration. Land use of flood plains can be different. Most space is required by self-regenerating floodplain forests (“mobile ecosystems”) – much more than floodplain grassland or reed beds. Restoration of such forests is a demanding and long-lasting process and requires planning; however, it is a crucial measure for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Fields of action Watercourses,Settlement areas,Farmland,Forests
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; Create riparian habitat; Biodiversity preservation; Reduce pollutant sources; Intercept pollution pathways; Create aquatic habitat; Reduce peak temperature; Filtration of pollutants

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PICTURES:

Wildbach- und Lawinenverbauung (WLV)