The UK has experienced repeated severe flooding in recent years, which has raised the profile of Natural Flood Management (NFM) creating a prominent discussion of the benefits of working more closely with natural processes to help reduce flood risk and complement more traditional engineering responses, aiming to manage and reduce flood risk in a more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable way.
Following the Pitt Review the Environment Agency defined NFM as taking action to manage fluvial and coastal flood and coastal erosion risk by protecting, restoring and emulating the natural regulating function of catchments, rivers, floodplains and the coast. Whilst this is not a new concept there has not yet been a comprehensive synthesis of the vast research undertaken on this topic, with previous research scattered and often not presented in a manner accessible to FCERM and NFM practitioners.
This conference, which is being jointly coordinated by the Environment Agency, CIWEM and SEPA, is one of series of events to launch the Environment Agency’s ‘Working with Natural Processes Evidence Base’, which has been developed to help flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM) authorities understand, justify, develop and implement FCERM schemes with WWNP to reduce flood risk. It will also include presentations from a range of existing projects that have successfully implemented NFM measures on the ground, through effective partnerships, whilst drawing on a range of funding streams.
The conference will also launch the NFM Network Scotland. This Scottish Government led initiative aims to provide a focal point for NFM practitioners to share knowledge, research and experience in practical aspects of assessing and implementing NFM. While the network will having a Scottish focus it will be open to anyone and attendees will have the opportunity to sign up at the conference.
For sponsorship enquiries please email sponsorship@ciwem.org.