Developing partnership approaches for flood risk management: implementation of inter-local co-operations in Austria

Abstract

This article relates how catchment-wide partnership agreements have been used in approaching flood risk management in Austria. Upstream–downstream co-operations are clearly influenced by a number of factors, where the combination of these interdependences can create specific conditions that alter the opportunity for effective governance arrangements in a local scheme approach. We present the motivations and drivers of the creation of inter-local co-operations in flood risk management, focusing especially on the main barriers and challenges. Although a partnership approach may be seen as an ‘optimal’ solution for flood risk management, in practice there are many limitations and barriers to establishing these collaborations.

Keywords:

• partnership arrangements
• flood risk management
• institutions
• catchment management plan
• governance
• risk prevention

Notes

1. The WLV and BWV are the key actors in the Austrian flood risk management policy. Both organizations have responsibility for preventive flood risk management in terms of planning, implementing and funding of flood alleviation schemes as well as policy definition. The BWV, in contrast to the WLV, are under direct control of each Austrian state, so the organizations act at different scales (the WLV at the national level and the BWV at the regional level).

2. Such as the ÖBB, the Federal Street Authorities, the utility companies or the Asfinag in the Ill-Walgau study site. The total overall financial contribution of all private enterprises to the Ill-Walgau catchment-management plan is 7.83%.