Dealing with change and uncertainty within the regulatory frameworks for flood defense infrastructure in selected European countries
Article
Goytia, S., Pettersson, M., Schellenberger, T., Van Doorn-Hoekveld, W. and Priest, S. 2016. Dealing with change and uncertainty within the regulatory frameworks for flood defense infrastructure in selected European countries. Ecology & Society. 21 (4). https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-08908-210423
Type | Article |
---|---|
Title | Dealing with change and uncertainty within the regulatory frameworks for flood defense infrastructure in selected European countries |
Authors | Goytia, S., Pettersson, M., Schellenberger, T., Van Doorn-Hoekveld, W. and Priest, S. |
Abstract | Whereas existing literature on the interactions between law, adaptive governance and resilience in the water sector often focuses on quality or supply issues, this paper addresses adaptation in national water laws in relation to increasing flood risks. In particular, this paper analyzes the extent to which legal rules governing flood defense infrastructure in a selection of European countries (Sweden, France, England and the Netherlands) allow for response and adaptation to change and uncertainty. While there is evidence that the legal rules on the development of new infrastructure require that changing conditions be considered, the adaptation of existing infrastructure is a more complicated matter. Liability rules fail to adequately address damages resulting from causes external to the action or inaction of owners and managers, in particular extreme events. A trend towards clearer, and in some cases, increased public powers to ensure the safety of flood defense infrastructure is observed. The paper concludes that legal rules should ensure not only that decisions to build flood defenses are based on holistic and future-oriented assessments, but also that this is reflected in the implementation and operation of these structures. |
Keywords | Adaptive governance; flood defense; flood risk; flood risk management; water law |
Research Group | Flood Hazard Research Centre |
Publisher | Resilience Alliance |
Journal | Ecology & Society |
ISSN | 1708-3087 |
Publication dates | |
01 Dec 2016 | |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 27 Sep 2016 |
Accepted | 25 Sep 2016 |
Output status | Published |
Publisher's version | License |
Copyright Statement | Copyright © 2016 by the author(s). Published under license by The Resilience Alliance. |
Additional information | Article number = 23 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-08908-210423 |
Language | English |
https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/86q1x
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