Flood Plain Land Use Optimising Workable Sustainability (FLOWS)

FLOWS provides a tool box of techniques that planners, water managers and decision makers can use for decision support systems in areas facing increased flood risk from climate change. There is a need to protect existing flood prone areas, while managing flood plains to ensure a balance between social, economic and environmental considerations. The project offers good practise examples for sustainable development and demonstrated practical low cost measures; including infrastructure for reducing flood damage to property and land. Results of Flows have been used by flood management on the national level in all participating countries. They can be used for planning activities and for making future decision making on how to improve sustainability of development in fluvial areas at risk of flooding. Some of the project results can also be used to change or influence any legislation, shape future policies or planning guidance. For instance, in the Netherlands dissemination of the results will be a part of the Hanse passage network. Within the UK, spatial planners work to a government policy – Planning Policy Guidance for Development and Flood Risk. This policy was reviewed and the results of FLOWS helped to shape the new policy. FLOWS work also influenced the EU Flood Directive.