Social Aspects and Stakeholder Involvement

Social issues form an integral part of the flood management process. Next to the existence of a flood hazard it is the community's vulnerability. i.e. the degree of capacity to anticipate and to cope with flood risks, which determines the socio-economic consequences of flooding. Therefore, IFM requires a profound understanding of societal vulnerability to flooding in order to find appropriate options for managing flood risks. Given the high influence of social aspects in flood issues it becomes more and more recognized that the success of flood management measures highly depends on the involvement of all stakeholders in the decision making process. Participatory planning is a basic principle of the IFM approach.  

The social norms and values also determine the level of risk a particular community is able to accept when faced with floods, how well the negative impacts can be overcome and how well the positive effects of floods and floodplain use can be utilized and shared.