Framework for climate proofing of flood risk management strategies in Finland

Abstract

Climate change impacts have not previously been systematically considered in the selection and prioritisation of measures to manage flood risks in Finland. For the second flood risk management planning cycle according to the EU Floods Directive, we developed a framework for evaluating the adaptability of measures to expected changes in climate and land use. Our aim was to (1) provide regional data for flood risk managers and water resources planners, (2) develop a nationally consistent approach to identify the robustness of considered measures for a variety of conditions which (3) is applicable in both river basin management planning and flood risk management planning. According to the feedback from practitioners in regional flood management groups as well as planners, the framework helped to raise new thoughts and to open new perspectives in the planning process and may hence influence the practice of planning of flood risk reduction measures. Also, it was found useful to have access to regional, tailored data on hydrological impacts in the planning process and during communication with stakeholders. The described methodology has been used in the preparation of the 2nd version of flood risk management plans and for the 3rd version of river basin management plans. It is intended to use the same approach for next planning cycles.