Policy responses for climate adaptation and risk mitigation: Flood risk management in the region Trentino-Alto Aldige

Climate change impacts and responses in sectoral policies are multifaceted and require a comprehensive understanding across various sectors. In collaboration with the rest of the CROSSEU consortium, researchers from BOKU University in Vienna have been analysing policy responses to manage socioeconomic impact of extreme weather events in different European regions.

Storms and their socio-economic impacts

Storms and storm-induced floods are one of the four types of climate change hazards studied in the project and can severely impact the livelihoods of affected communities. The storm “Vaia”, for example, which dropped large amounts of precipitaton in the area of Trentino-Alto Aldige (Italy) in October 2018, triggered debris flows and flash floods and led to eleven casualties. The timber industry in the area was severely affected, with repercussions expected for decades to come. The economic damage caused by the storm has been estimated to exceed € 100 million.

Structural measures for flood mitigation

Trentino-Alto Adige employs a comprehensive approach to flood mitigation and adaptation, combining structural measures like dams and flood control channels with non-structural measures such as community engagement and early warning systems. These efforts aim to protect residents, infrastructure, and the environment from the impacts of flooding while also adapting to the challenges posed by climate change. Structural measures include the construction of dams, such as the Santa Giustina Dam on the Noce River, which helps manage floodwaters, and reservoirs that temporarily hold excess water during heavy rain events, thereby reducing flood peaks downstream. Additionally, flood control channels divert excess water away from populated areas, and riverbanks are reinforced with levees and embankments to prevent overflow during floods. Retaining walls are also built in vulnerable areas to prevent soil erosion and protect infrastructure from floodwaters.

Non-structural measures to enhance resilience

Non-structural measures are equally important in the region's flood mitigation strategy. Early warning systems have been implemented, using sophisticated monitoring and meteorological and hydrological data to predict flooding events, providing timely alerts to residents and emergency services. The region also employs land use planning and zoning regulations to restrict construction in high-risk flood zones, minimizing potential damage. Public awareness campaigns educate residents about flood risks and preparedness measures, enhancing community resilience. Furthermore, the Italian Flood Risk Management Plans (PGRA) implement European Directive 2007/60/EC, aiming to reduce the negative consequences of floods on human health, the environment, cultural heritage, and economic activities. These plans are prepared at the river basin district level and updated every six years, with the current period being 2021 to 2027.

The effectiveness of these and other policy responses to deal with socioeconomic impact of climate change at regional level will be further analysed in the remaining two years of the CROSSEU project.

Katharina de Melo, Alice Ludvig, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU)