Building resilience: Leveraging Nature-based Solutions for flood risk management in Europe

Between 1998 and 2020, floods accounted for 43% of the climate disaster events in Europe, resulting in the displacement of half a million people and nearly EUR 280 billion in insured economic losses, according to the European Environment Agency’s report Europe’s state of water 2024 – The need for improved water resilience.

In recent years, severe floods caused by prolonged rains have affected numerous European countries. Europe continues to suffer more frequent and destructive floods - caused by climate change, and changes in land use that significantly reduce water retention capacity - leading to an increasing number of fatalities and economic costs. The floods in Valencia, Spain stand as one of the most severe flooding events in recent history, overwhelming natural and urban drainage systems, and causing over 200 fatalities. Without any climate mitigation and adaptation, direct damage from flooding is estimated to increase six-fold by the end of the century.

How can Nature-based Solutions support flood risk management?

In their report, the European Environment Agency recommends expanding Nature-based Solutions¹ (NbS) to enhance natural resilience, water retention and ‘slow the flow’ of intense rain to mitigate flooding. Unlike conventional flood management infrastructure, such as dams, levees, and storm drains, which might disrupt natural ecosystems, NbS interventions work with nature. NbS can complement or even replace conventional infrastructure, offering a cost-effective and adaptable approach to flood risk management while providing environmental and societal benefits, including biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, and improved quality of life for communities. NbS for flood risk management can encompass a variety of solutions. A few examples include:

1. Floodplain restoration: Restoring retention capacity and ecosystem functions by reconnecting floodplains to rivers.
2. Wetland restoration and creation: Wetlands function as natural sponges, absorbing water to slow down flow and reduce the volume and velocity of floodwaters.
3. River restoration: This includes, for example, the naturalisation of polders or streambeds to allow rivers to flow naturally.
4. Reforestation of riparian forests: Planting forests alongside rivers and other water bodies enhances soil stability, prevents landslides, and reduces runoff speed.

What does GIB do to accelerate Nature-based Solutions for flood risk management?

At the Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation (GIB), we believe in the strength of Nature-based Solutions and are actively promoting their adoption for flood risk management. Previous projects in Thessaly, Greece, and Cyprus showed that NbS are viable interventions for addressing river flooding in the regions. As part of European Horizon NATALIE (2023-2028), GIB is examining the unique challenges of each region in Greece, Spain, Iceland and France to ensure that NbS interventions are both locally beneficial and technically and politically feasible for flood risk management. In addition, suitable financing and funding for the scalability of NbS is assessed. In addition, GIB is involved in the Project Mekong Delta Climate Resilience Programme in Vietnam, supporting the development of Sponge City concepts to contribute to flood and drainage water management in urban areas.

As we advance our work across diverse regions, GIB remains dedicated to fostering resilient and sustainable infrastructure through Nature-based Solutions. Our projects are paving the way for scalable and impactful flood management strategies that not only protect but also enrich local environments. Stay connected with us for more updates on our projects!

1 Nature-based Solutions are solutions that are inspired and supported by nature and simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits (European Commission) https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/environment/nature-based-solutions_en