London Thames Basin

Gibbard, Philip L.

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-38957-4_19

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…This is for example the case in impounded river sections, where the dynamics of flowing water and fluctuating water levels have been replaced by those of a more muted wetland. We can find examples of such altered characteristics not only along the Dutch Lower Meuse and Rhine, but also along the Hungarian Middle Tisza (Lake Tisza), parts of the river Danube, the British river Thames, and the German Upper Rhine (Gibbard, 2020; Halbe et al, 2018; Lóczy, Dezső, & Ronczyk, 2016). By sometimes accepting irreversible systemic changes as part of the new DNA of a river system, the Smart Rivers approach touches on the idea of “novel ecosystems” (and hybrid ones), that gained traction in the last 15 years (Hobbs et al, 2014; Teixeira & Fernandes, 2020; Tockner, Pusch, Gessner, & Wolter, 2011).…”

Section: The Smart Rivers Approachmentioning

confidence: 97%

The Smart Rivers approach: Spatial quality in flood protection and floodplain restoration projects based on river DNA

Peters¹,

Buuren

Herik³

et al. 2021

WIREs Water

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Many river rehabilitation projects have been implemented in the past 30 years, strengthening the natural dynamics and ecology of river systems, while reconciling the functions of flood protection, navigation, sediment extraction, and cultural identity. Still, the planning and design of floodplain projects is subject to debate on how to best follow the “natural” characteristics of specific river stretches, the “DNA of the river.” Unlike many other approaches of integrated river management, this approach entails a design strategy for spatial quality in river floodplain development projects at local and regional level, where the current discharge characteristics of the upstream river basin are taken as given. Starting point is the landscape ecological basis of the river, defining the characteristic (hydro‐morphological) processes and geomorphological/geological structures in each stretch of the river and floodplain area. An in‐depth characterization of these structures and processes helps design floodplains that can accommodate the various river management and development objectives. Often economically strong functions, like flood protection, can be partnered with weaker ones, such as ecosystem restoration. To safeguard spatial quality and sustainability in these integrated projects, the governance aspect is essential. Therefore the Smart Rivers approach addresses both substantial aspects (the “DNA of the River”) as well as procedural and governance elements (called the “Quality Relay”). The principles of the approach are applicable to project design along regulated rivers in densely populated areas all over the world. This article is categorized under: Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

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