Author(s): M. Nones

Linked Author(s): Michael Nones

Keywords: Secchia River; Flood risk management; Climate change; Anthropogenic activities; Floods Directive

Abstract: The paper presents the emblematic case of the Secchia River, in Italy. This watercourse is frequently subject to damages due to flooding events, but only marginal efforts have been applied in the past to prevent and manage such events. After decades of studies and data collection, it is now evident that anthropogenic activities contributed to altering the climate and the associated precipitation intensity and magnitude in a significant way. However, despite numerous and expensive efforts to protect properties, households and communities, the water-related damage is a phenomenon impossible to permanently be eradicated. Therefore, the attention of decision-makers shifted from flood protection to flood risk management, by integrating non-structural adaptation and mitigation measures and advanced spatial planning instruments like the so-called Floods Directive, namely the Directive on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risk, 2007/60/EC. However, despite significant improvements were made in the last years regarding the legislative instruments, the consideration of cascading effects at cross-spatial and cross-temporal scales is only marginally accounted for, leaving a grey area which should be addressed in the future. Using the case study of the Secchia River in Italy, this work suggests some consistent measures for water authorities and open questions for researchers and scholars, recommending not only discussion but also the implementation of timely actions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/978-981-11-2731-1_163-cd

Year: 2018