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, opposed to a “full conventional flood defence scheme” (~£2.5m). Mirroring Belford’s flooding situation, many other rural towns could also benefit from the NFM, according to the article.
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”.
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The article postulated that Natural Flood Management (NFM) significantly reduced expenditure compared to a more traditional flood management system. However, in my opinion, the various environmental and social benefits the implementation of NFM would bring were overlooked and neglected. Highlighting these boons would further accentuate the benefits of implementing NFM.
Notwithstanding, NFM also provides environment benefits. Exhibiting an example closer to home, The Public Utilities Board’s (PUB) Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters Programme was implemented in 2006 for an environmentally-aware alternative to stormwater management. The planting of vegetation along rivers and canals not only reduces the velocity of stormwater runoff, it also inadvertently creates habitats for many animals, including the rare, native, Crimson Dropwing (a pink dragonfly). According to the ABC Water Design Guidelines (2018), the programme “enhances the aesthetics and biodiversity of the landscape” as well. The wetlands and woodlands create by NFM would likewise be an effective carbon-store, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, alleviating the effects of global warming to an extent. Conversely, a more traditional flood management approach would not be able to perform the same function due to the nature of the aforementioned strategies, which relies “mostly on structural measures” (Traditional Flood Management and its Shortcomings 2010).
Another aspect for consideration would be the social benefits NFM would deliver. Having an increase in green spaces among residential spaces where NFM is implemented offers areas to “socialise, exercise and relax while enjoying the view of the Bishan skyline” in ABC Water’s flagship project to Bishan residents. In the research article “Urban green spaces, recreation and spiritual experiences” (2018), the study stated that “nearby nature areas can provide benefits including opportunities for exercise, psychological revitalization and better physical health”, thereby displaying the myriad health and social benefits NFM would bring. In a highly urbanised environment like Singapore, it is important that residents have ample opportunities to explore and enjoy nature and green spaces.
The amalgamation of these advantages shows the preeminent need for sustainability towards environmental management. Contrary to traditional flood management practises like utilising unsightly gabions and concrete structures to mitigate the intensity of floods, NFM demonstrates a cost-efficient and aesthetically pleasing approach to flood management. It also presents social areas for people to perform leisurely activities, as well as raising the biodiversity of native flora and fauna.
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
Rey Gozalo, G., Barrigón Morillas, J., Montes González, D., & Atanasio Moraga, P. (2018). Relationships among satisfaction, noise perception, and use of urban green spaces. Science of the Total Environment, 624, 438–450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.148
Baur, J. (2018). Urban green spaces, recreation and spiritual experiences. Leisure/Loisir, 42(2), 205–229. https://doi.org/10.1080/14927713.2018.1449131
Hamburg University of Technology. (2010). Traditional Flood Management and its Shortcomings. Retrieved from http://daad.wb.tu-harburg.de/?id=1013
*Edited 08/02/19, 2:33 PM
Written by Darryl Lai Hao Wen
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