Summary and Reader Response: Natural Engineering Offers Solution against Future Flooding (Skeleton)

In the article from Science Daily, “Natural Engineering Offers Solution against Future Flooding” by Newcastle University (2014), it was stated that “back-to-nature flood schemes”, which utilise the environment’s inherent protection capabilities, could be an economical alternative to curtailing floods. Research lead, Dr Mark Wilkinson, also mentioned that winter rainfall and flooding occurrence would surge in the future.

It was reported that river management strategies were exhibited in Belford, Northumberland, which illustrated the reduction of surface run-off and soil mineral depletion. 

The article described that Natural Flood Management (NFM) aspires to scale down the peak water height or delay flood arrival, adding more preparation time for response. This would be done by hampering the progress of water while working sustainably with the environment. Strategies include storing, slowing and redirecting water and increasing soil infiltration. This proved to be much cheaper (~£200,000) in the Belford Scheme, contrary to a “full conventional flood defense scheme” (~£2.5m). Mirroring Belford’s flooding situation, many other rural towns could also benefit from the NFM. 

Overall, it was established that the scheme was a triumph due to the backing and approval of the Belford community, together with the comprehensive awareness of the “land and local environment”. 

The article postulated that Natural Flood Management (NFM) provides an economical alternative to traditional flood management systems. However, the various environmental and social benefits the implementation of NFM would bring, were overlooked. Highlighting these boons would further accentuate the benefits of implementing NFM.

1) Environmental benefits

• Habitat creation and improving green spaces; improves connectivity between wetlands allowing more species to move between habitats.
• Improving water quality; improvements in soil structure through woodland creation or less intensive land management increases rates of infiltration.
• Reduced erosion; NFM can help to restore coastal sediment processes and morphology

2) Social benefits

• Elaboration and examples: PUB's ABC Waters programme in Singapore, etc.
• Community Spirit Making; small adjustments to your land management or allowing unproductive land to be used for flood storage can make a difference to those in your community who are at risk of flooding further downstream, particularly if several landowners work together to implement NFM measures

Bibliography

Multiple benefits of NFM Infographic (2018, August 30). Communications and Management for Sustainability. Retrieved from http://www.cmscoms.com/?p=14979

PUB (2018, July 11).  Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters Design Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.pub.gov.sg/resources/publications/abcwaters