How do texture and color communicate uncertainty in climate change map displays?

We report on an empirical study with over hundred online participants where we investigatedhow texture and color value, two popular visual variables used to convey uncertainty in maps,are understood by non-domain-experts. Participants intuit denser dot textures to mean greaterattribute certainty; irrespective of whether the dot pattern is labeled certain or uncertain. Withthis additional empirical evidence, we hope to further improve our understanding of how non-domain experts interpret uncertainty information depicted in map displays. This in turn willallow us to more clearly and legibly communicate uncertainty information in climate changemaps, so that these displays can be unmistakably understood by decision-makers and the generalpublic

Lessons Learned from PARADeS Project for Flood Disaster Risk Planning and Management in Ghana

The PARADeS project focused on Ghana’s national flood disaster risk reduction and management strategy by investigating existing flood risk and mechanisms for disaster management, governance-policy, human-water interaction, and development of possible future scenarios and feasible and sustainable measures. Three case study areas with different types of flooding were identified and chosen in a participatory flood risk-based process. These are including the catchments Odaw in Accra (pluvial, fluvial and coastal floods), Aboabo in Kumasi (pluvial and fluvial floods), and the White Volta (fluvial floods). The project used innovative socio-technical and participatory approaches and tools that combines research, development, and institutional strengthening activities. It integrated diverse information, local knowledge and data sources and was developed collaboratively with stakeholder scenarios and socio-technical tools in order to support coherent decision-making processes. A key aspect was analysing different scenarios of flood hazards, investigating and modelling cascading risk effects regarding critical infrastructure, and an assessment tool to identify flood risk at a household level, the FLOODLABEL Ghana. All processes and working steps are realized using interdisciplinary and participatory approaches together with Ghanaian stakeholders. The end products are strengthening institutional and citizens’ capacity through a series of activities on societal awareness and training of specialists, decision, and policymakers. Technologically, the project has produced a set of decision support tools (Flood Information Systems, FLOODLABEL Ghana, etc.) to effectively disseminate vital information to citizens, researchers, and decision makers to respond and mitigate the impact of flooding. In pursuit of sustainable development in FDRM measures, we disseminated the outcomes and products, including technical tools, through reports and scientific publications. Additionally, we developed training materials tailored for students, experts, and decision-makers

Transforming European Water Governance? Participation and River Basin Management under the EU Water Framework Directive in 13 Member States

The European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires EU member states to produce and implement river basin management plans, which are to be designed and updated via participatory processes that inform, consult with, and actively involve all interested stakeholders. The assumption of the European Commission is that stakeholder participation, and institutional adaptation and procedural innovation to facilitate it, are essential to the effectiveness of river basin planning and, ultimately, the environmental impact of the Directive. We analyzed official documents and the WFD literature to compare implementation of the Directive in EU member states in the initial WFD planning phase (2000–2009). Examining the development of participatory approaches to river basin management planning, we consider the extent of transformation in EU water governance over the period. Employing a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach, we map the implementation “trajectories” of 13 member states, and then provide a detailed examination of shifts in river basin planning and participation in four member states (Germany, Sweden, Poland and France) to illustrate the diversity of institutional approaches observed. We identify a general tendency towards increased, yet circumscribed, stakeholder participation in river basin management in the member states examined, alongside clear continuities in terms of their respective pre-WFD institutional and procedural arrangements. Overall, the WFD has driven a highly uneven shift to river basin-level planning among the member states, and instigated a range of efforts to institutionalize stakeholder involvement—often through the establishment of advisory groups to bring organized stakeholders into the planning process

Participation in Flood risk Management : An introduction and recommendations for implementation

Involving interested parties in Flood Risk Management is a crucial and challenging issue. The implementation of the European Flood Directive requires the active participation of stakeholders. But how can this be achieved successfully? This publication gives a brief overview of participation issues in Flood Risk Management in order to prepare for and to assist participatory processes. It provides a synopsis of key issues, findings of literature research and project results in (public) participation in the field of water and flood risk management.  The focus here is on general aspects of (public) participation. This publication describes an understanding of what participation is and gives some definitions of relevant terms. Furthermore the question “why is participation important?” is considered and reasons for and against participation and potential barriers are described. Guidelines for the key questions that should be addressed before a participation process is started are offered and different working steps are explained. Finally, some examples of methods and tools for participation are described. However, this short description can only give an overview and orientation of this broad field. In fact, each project and process has to be adapted to the respective situation and conditions. Nevertheless, this brochure might contribute to the participatory process in Flood Risk Management and help to involve interested parties as required by the EU Floods Directive