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, UK, 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 environmental and social benefits the implementation of NFM would bring were overlooked and neglected. Highlighting these constructive assets would further accentuate the benefits of implementing NFM and encourage stakeholders to consider NFM.
The first element of consideration would be the environmental benefits NFM provides for native species of animals and the climate. Exhibiting an example in Singapore, The Public Utilities Board’s (PUB) Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters Programme was implemented in 2006 for an environmentally-aware alternative to stormwater management, according to PUB’s ABC Waters Design Guidelines (2018). 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 Waters 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. As reported by the Hamburg University of Technology article "Traditional Flood Management and its Shortcomings" (2010), traditional flood management relies “mostly on structural measures”, which are unable to capture carbon emissions.
Another aspect for deliberation is the social benefits NFM would deliver for residents living near NFM-administered areas. The ABC Waters Design Guidelines explained that 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 NFM project to Bishan residents. In the research article “Urban green spaces, recreation and spiritual experiences” (2018), a 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 practices like utilising unsightly gabions and concrete structures to mitigate the intensity of floods, the Natural Flood Management system 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.
References
Baur, J. (2018). Urban green spaces, recreation and spiritual experiences. Leisure/Loisir, 42(2), 205–229. Retrieved from 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
Jayne. (2018, August 30). The multiple benefits of natural flood management – infographic. Communications and Management for Sustainability. Retrieved from http://www.cmscoms.com/?p=1497
Newcastle University. (2014, January 28). 'Natural' engineering offers solution against future flooding. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 11, 2019 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140128094531.htm
Public Utilities Board. (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. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.14
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