01.07.2025
Type: Document Language: English Author: Chiara Scaini, Anna Scaini
Risk depends on the frequency and magnitude of river-related hazards, but also on the exposure, e.g., the number, type and economic value of exposed assets. Land use planning can increase or decrease societal exposure to river-related risks such as floods. In this contribution, we bring together experiences that look into understanding and mapping the perception of river-related risks from and to the river as well as riverine socio- cultural values linked to rivers, such as identity and sense of place. Here, we look into how the perception of such values can influence water resources- and decision management using questionnaires, interviews, a map-based participatory approach as well as evidence-based data on land and water use, biodiversity and risks. We show results of this combined approach in the Tagliamento river (Italy), known as the last free-flowing Alpine river. We explore the synergies between river conservation and ecosystem-based land use planning through the analysis of past events and subsequent human interventions on the river (such as the construction of levees, and proposed infrastructures). We discuss the shortcomings of river interventions in the context of multi-hazard risk reduction and provide a list of aspects that should be taken into account for managing the river basin and pursuing communities and ecosystems resilience. Finally, we highlight the potential benefit of integrating local knowledge and historical evidence into storylines to demonstrate potential adaptation pathways for riverine communities.
Keywords: Multi-hazard risk mitigation, river conservation, ecosystem services, river communities, river management