Catalogue of the Adaptation solutions available in the 4 different topographical areas
Flash floods are increasingly prevalent in Mediterranean regions due to climate change and urban expansion. Many communities remain unaware and unprepared, thus undermining adaptation and mitigation strategies.
As part of the FRED project, this structured survey assesses risk perception and attitudes towards flood management that can elucidate behavioural patterns and knowledge gaps. This report, tested in seven pilot areas (Urban, Industrial, Natural/Rural and Coastal areas), informs context-specific adaptation strategies and risk communication plans. Educational actions are scheduled.
Project
LocAll4Flood 
Mission
Natural Heritage
Production year
2024
Type of result
Report
Target audience
Education, Training Center and School, Higher education and research organisation, Interest groups incl. NGOs, International organisation, Local public authority, National public authority, Regional public authority, Sectoral agency
Covered areas
Coastal area, Rural area, Urban area
Keywords
Climate change adaptation, Natural risk prevention and management, Climate change and biodiversity
Partners
University of Balearic Islands
Issues addressed
The incidence and severity of flash floods are on the rise in numerous Mediterranean regions because of climatic alterations and urban expansion. Nevertheless, despite their physical vulnerability, a significant number of communities exhibit a deficiency in both awareness and preparedness. This constrained understanding of risk undermines the efficacy of adaptation, mitigation, and prevention initiatives. Without a comprehensive understanding of how individuals perceive and respond to risk, it becomes difficult to implement flood management strategies that are socially endorsed and effective.
Added value of the result
The report integrates social science methodologies with environmental risk evaluation in a participatory and replicable manner. It goes beyond conventional awareness-raising initiatives by using empirical data on public perceptions to formulate strategies that meet their needs. Furthermore, it enables educational efforts to be tailored to the local context and facilitates the implementation of nature-based solutions and risk communication patterns. This approach has been successfully validated in seven pilot regions in the Mediterranean and can be adapted to various socio-ecological environments.
Transferability potential
The proposed intervention targets flood-prone areas, comprising urban and coastal environments. As the surveys were conducted in areas with heightened vulnerability to flash floods, and reliable data were obtained through citizens and governmental support, the projects results will be easily transferable to a wide range of contexts in the Mediterranean region. Finally, the suggested educational actions further boost participation.
Contribution to SDGs
SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 13 - Climate action, SDG 15 - Life on land
Contribution to the Strategies and EU Policies
EU Adaptation Strategy, Nature Restoration Law
