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Public spaces face long-term challenges, such as energy transition and climate adaptation, which involve a range of adaptations in the existing public spaces. Simultaneously, managers face short-term everyday challenges. This article explores how Dutch public space managers deal with short- and long-term challenges that affect the effectiveness of public space management. This qualitative study based on exploratory interviews with managers provides insight into the obstacles public space managers face in dealing with these long-term and short-term challenges. The study found four characteristics of the current practice: (1) the sectoral division between design and management, (2) the conflict-and-action approach, (3) the asset-based focus, and (4) the linear approach. Together, these characteristics prevent the current practice from effectively facing both long-term and short-term challenges. The findings provide a starting point to think about how public space management could be reorganized to ensure the quality and functionality of public space in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multi-layer safety approach was introduced in 2009 in the Netherlands as a result of the shift from flood prevention to flood risk management. It aims at reducing flood risks by integrating defensive measures against floods (layer 1), resilient spatial planning measures (layer 2), and effective disaster management measures (layer 3). But how are these measures integrated? This contribution explores that question with a qualitative case study in Zwolle. In particular, policy and territorial integration among the multiple stakeholders are analysed. The analysis shows that the defensive approach (layer 1) still prevails, but that flood risk management is integrated into spatial planning (layer 2) in terms of policy integration and territorial integration. That is not the case for disaster management (layer 3), which remains detached from the other two layers. This contributes to the debate on integration in water management with other sectors through an in-depth analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many river rehabilitation projects have been implemented in the past 30 years, strengthening the natural dynamics and ecology of river systems, while reconciling the functions of flood protection, navigation, sediment extraction, and cultural identity. Still, the planning and design of floodplain projects is subject to debate on how to best follow the "natural" characteristics of specific river stretches, the "DNA of the river." Unlike many other approaches of integrated river management, this approach entails a design strategy for spatial quality in river floodplain development projects at local and regional level, where the current discharge characteristics of the upstream river basin are taken as given. Starting point is the landscape ecological basis of the river, defining the characteristic (hydro‐morphological) processes and geomorphological/geological structures in each stretch of the river and floodplain area. An in‐depth characterization of these structures and processes helps design floodplains that can accommodate the various river management and development objectives. Often economically strong functions, like flood protection, can be partnered with weaker ones, such as ecosystem restoration. To safeguard spatial quality and sustainability in these integrated projects, the governance aspect is essential. Therefore the Smart Rivers approach addresses both substantial aspects (the "DNA of the River") as well as procedural and governance elements (called the "Quality Relay"). The principles of the approach are applicable to project design along regulated rivers in densely populated areas all over the world. This article is categorized under:Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although flood risk management is traditionally regarded as a governmental responsibility, homeowners in Flanders (Belgium) have a crucial role in flood risk reduction. With this in mind, the Flanders Environment Agency executed a pilot study in which homeowners were offered free tailor-made advice on floodproofing. To evaluate the advice, we conducted interviews and a survey of the participating homeowners. On this basis we conclude that, to improve the homeowner's contribution towards more effective flood-resilient (peri-)urban areas, there is a need for a more relational approach with other stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods cause enormous damage on land and thus question the boundary between land and water in an extreme way. As floods increase in frequency and intensity, flood risk management must change from a resistance-based approach to a resilience approach. Whereas land uses require robust boundaries between land and water, the changing water system demands more flexible boundaries. This contribution discusses this tension from a theoretical perspective of resilience and co-evolution, using a socio-ecological systems approach. This offers a new perspective on the co-evolving frontier between land and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]