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Nature-based solutions to manage flooding

ABC

This ABC article on Nature-based solutions to manage flooding discusses the increasing inadequacy of 'grey infrastructure' such as dams and levees to protect urban areas from flooding. The flooding in Lismore earlier this year demonstrated the sheer magnitude of these challenges.

Restoring river and wetland ecosystems, covering more of our towns in vegetation, and keeping our catchments forested could all help reduce the impact of floods.

Nature based solutions discussed in the article

  • The importance of forested catchments in protecting downstream towns and cities
  • Making room for the river as per program in the Netherlands - which includes increasing the volume of water in the river and setting aside floodplains to handle discharge
  • Prioritising waterways, water networks and parks to protect urban areas from flooding as per the Singapore water management program