The Role of Smart Flood Management in the Ancient Blue-Green Infrastructure

Abstract

Regarding the current circumstances, climate change and environmental problems affect most countries globally, some more than others. Adapting to climate change impacts is not only an issue of the future cities but a worrying situation of the present. For most local governments of water sensitive cities in the Middle East, adapting to extreme weather events and mitigating climate change are important issues. Moreover, ancient cities in the Middle East, like Qazvin, are outstanding samples of flood adaptation and mitigation that are still in use. This paper demonstrates how well the ancient blue-green infrastructure in Qazvin provides a base for taking advantage of floods and how the system can adapt to future climate change. Therefore, the results present how ancient blue-green infrastructure can manage flash floods and how they can be seen as a context for smart flood management. During flash floods, the blue-green infrastructure collects floodwater as well as distribute it at the same time. Thus, the system not only can mitigate the adverse effects of seasonal floods but also adapt to climate change through drought conditions. The blue-green infrastructure in Qazvin is an excellent example of ancient science implemented to mitigate climate change. The research method is evidence-based and case-specific. This paper presents a practical integrated solution as a base for smart water management. Exploring ancient science and implementing our ancestors’ ideas and techniques can pave our way toward future smart and sustainable cities and give us more effective solutions to smart flood management.