298
R. Graf
15.6 Conclusions
Among the legal and environmental regulations currently in force in Poland, there
is sought an answer to the questions of effective flood risk minimisation methods,
with the growth in recorded flood occurrences, especially since the 20th c.[43],
and of what actions are presently indispensable or, ‘optimal,’ to make society safe
from the flood. The adage “Those who live close to water, let them prepare for
loss” [67] can be related to the past and the present. This olden form of warning
against flood disaster is also reflected in the contemporary system of flood risk
assessment and management, whose guidelines are defined for the EU countries
under the so-called Floods Directive [11]. The efficacy of these measures should
be based on proper ‘best practices’ and ‘best technologies available’ which do not
generate excessive costs. Technical methods, utilised so far in many countries in order
to alleviate flood consequences, have proved inadequate or negatively affecting the
natural environment. As per the execution of environmental objectives under the
Framework Water Directive [61], flood protection activities in river valleys should
be limited due to their deleterious impact on water ecosystems [68].
Considerable significance is now attributed to the so-called non-technical
methods, organisational-legal and planning measures, with on the other hand
stressing the efficacy of comprehensive flood protection solutions, which are adapted
to the hydrological conditions and the extent of land development of catchments and
include technical measures (where reasonable) as well as non-technical ones (e.g.
increasing the catchment retention). In order to effectively realise the above objectives, flood risk minimisation strategies used in practice should take into account
all the risk categories: hazard, exposure, and sensitivity [7]. Proper development of
land exposed to flood, conforming to planning documents, constitutes the imperative
goal of flood risk management, and minimisation strategies in the European Union
countries (FD, 2007/60/EC). With the functioning of now advanced flood forecasting
systems, utilising projection results, hydrological modelling, and monitoring, it is
possible to minimise the risk and consequences of floods and properly administer
flood protection measures.
The development of the flood risk management plans under the Floods Directive [11] and the “Water management plans for river basins” under the Framework
Water Directive [61] is part of an integrated system of water management in river
basins in Poland. Both these processes should utilise the potential of interaction and
mutual benefits with taking into consideration the environmental goals, ensuring
effectiveness and prudent use of water resources.
R. Graf
15.6 Conclusions
Among the legal and environmental regulations currently in force in Poland, there
is sought an answer to the questions of effective flood risk minimisation methods,
with the growth in recorded flood occurrences, especially since the 20th c.[43],
and of what actions are presently indispensable or, ‘optimal,’ to make society safe
from the flood. The adage “Those who live close to water, let them prepare for
loss” [67] can be related to the past and the present. This olden form of warning
against flood disaster is also reflected in the contemporary system of flood risk
assessment and management, whose guidelines are defined for the EU countries
under the so-called Floods Directive [11]. The efficacy of these measures should
be based on proper ‘best practices’ and ‘best technologies available’ which do not
generate excessive costs. Technical methods, utilised so far in many countries in order
to alleviate flood consequences, have proved inadequate or negatively affecting the
natural environment. As per the execution of environmental objectives under the
Framework Water Directive [61], flood protection activities in river valleys should
be limited due to their deleterious impact on water ecosystems [68].
Considerable significance is now attributed to the so-called non-technical
methods, organisational-legal and planning measures, with on the other hand
stressing the efficacy of comprehensive flood protection solutions, which are adapted
to the hydrological conditions and the extent of land development of catchments and
include technical measures (where reasonable) as well as non-technical ones (e.g.
increasing the catchment retention). In order to effectively realise the above objectives, flood risk minimisation strategies used in practice should take into account
all the risk categories: hazard, exposure, and sensitivity [7]. Proper development of
land exposed to flood, conforming to planning documents, constitutes the imperative
goal of flood risk management, and minimisation strategies in the European Union
countries (FD, 2007/60/EC). With the functioning of now advanced flood forecasting
systems, utilising projection results, hydrological modelling, and monitoring, it is
possible to minimise the risk and consequences of floods and properly administer
flood protection measures.
The development of the flood risk management plans under the Floods Directive [11] and the “Water management plans for river basins” under the Framework
Water Directive [61] is part of an integrated system of water management in river
basins in Poland. Both these processes should utilise the potential of interaction and
mutual benefits with taking into consideration the environmental goals, ensuring
effectiveness and prudent use of water resources.