Thames case study report

Abstract

This report highlights a series of key challenges and opportunities towards developing integrated strategies for flood risk management for the London and Thames Estuary region. The report suggests that the predominant feature of Integrated Flood Risk Management (IFRM), adaptive co-management and strategic planning is the emphasis on a holistic and continuous process of management. Essentially, all three concepts focus on systems thinking: considering the human and physical environment to be a complex entity, comprised of dynamic sub-systems reflecting coupled social, economic and geo-biological behaviour through time. In line with this systems-orientated approach, four primary characteristics were considered within the case-study as indicative of a successful adaptive management process: 1) nurturing diversity in decision-making, 2) combining the range of existing knowledge systems into the decision-making process, 3) embracing uncertainty and change and 4) creating opportunity for self-organisation. The study focused on two key questions: what is the evidence of adaptive flood risk management within the Thames Estuary? and what are the challenges/key limitations in moving towards strategic management of flood risk in the London and Thames Estuary region? The research was comprised of an extensive desktop review of the current IFRM project within the Thames Estuary (UK Environment Agency Thames Estuary 2100 Project) and in-depth interviews with key regional stakeholders with interest and input to the strategy development process.