Resource description:
Wetlands can absorb excess water in cases of river flooding. This method can be used to estimate the retention capacity of wetlands for flood mitigation and thereby protecting downstream inhabitants. For this, the impact of water detention on peak flows is considered, as well as the extent and frequency of flood events, and how flooding affects people and their properties. Hydrological data are necessary (inflow to and outflow from a wetland). Basic calculations of differences provide first approximations of wetland’s flood prevention potential. No modelling required. Maps show spatially explicit results.
Author/Contact:
Marina Kosmus
Sectorial and Global Projects, Division 330 – Climate, Environment and Infrastructure, Head of ValuES Project
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Postfach 5180 / P.O. Box 5180, 65726 Eschborn, Deutschland / Germany
T + 49 6196 79-1321, E Marina.kosmus@giz.de
Images
Requirements:
- Experts with experience in gathering and analysing hydrological data
Uses of this resource:
The method allows estimation of the potential of a wetland to prevent downstream flooding through water storage during a flood event. It is most effectively used where there are obvious locations, both upstream and downstream of a wetland, at which hydrological data have been collected.
Partners:
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ
- Conservation Strategy Fund (CSF)
- Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nucelar Safety of the Federal Republic of Germany (Funding)
Licence:
- Free, no licence
Development stage:
- Concept only