Author(s): Mike Adams; Will Shaw
Linked Author(s): Mike Adams
Keywords: Nature-based solutions natural flood management NbS NFM funding and finance governance
Abstract: The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme is developing a long-term sustainable programme of water management interventions across the Upper Severn catchment (United Kingdom) through ambitious and innovative partnership working. Spanning the English and Welsh border, the project is developing a technical solution to better manage flood risk, exploring how natural processes can be harnessed at scale and complimented by sensitive and place-appropriate engineering. The scheme seeks to do this by focussing on wider benefits across environment, society and economy using nature-based solutions (NbS) to maximise the potential for a wider blend of funding streams. In a rural geography, the economic case for investment of public funding on purely flood risk grounds cannot be made and so the project is also exploring innovative approaches to governance, funding and policy development whilst also laying the foundations to build long term capacity and capability within the local economy. By taking an integrated and holistic approach to long term adaptive planning for resilience the project can deliver sustainable outcomes for communities, the environment and future generations.
Year: 2025