FLORISPRE – Citizens’ Flood Risk Prevention

Raising awareness on the effects of floods

Flooding is an unfortunate, recurring feature of life in many arts of Europe, and one which is likely to become an even greater risk because of climate change. In the high-growth regions of INTERREG IIIC’s GROW programme, the need for more and more housing is putting more pressure on developing flood plains. The FLORISPRE project was devised to inform citizens about what they can do to reduce the potential physical, economic, social and emotional impact of flooding.

FLORISPRE is an innovative project with a community-based approach to educating people about flood risk, prevention and management, using multimedia to raise awareness. It is part of GROW’s Green Growth element and its objectives are closely linked to EU policies of promoting sustainability.

The project is led by the Environmental Management Company of Andalucía (EGMASA) and includes two partners from the UK and Italy. It has developed materials within each region to raise awareness of flood risk, then disseminated them through workshops, seminars and travelling exhibitions. Transregional conferences also play an important part in the project. Conferences in Spain, Italy and Brussels helped to expand a network of flood risk specialists, promote debate and raise the profile of flood risk.

The most important output of FLORISPRE is the development of a methodology and supporting tool kit that can be applied to raise awareness of flood risk within regions. For regions not actively participating in the project, a best practice guide and DVD have been produced that highlight knowledge and experience gained during FLORISPRE. The project website is open to all.

On the ground, the project has increased collaboration between public bodies such as civil protection agencies and local administrations, enabling them to work together to produce consistent messages and advice for citizens. It has brought together flood risk management specialists from each partner region, raised the profile of their invaluable work, and made the regions more receptive to the new EU Floods Directive.

“By increasing people’s awareness and preparedness the impact of floods in the future should be lessened both economically and personally. Lives and livelihoods can be saved by a quick, educated response to flooding,” said Melanie Andrews of the UK’s Environment Agency.

Within the partner regions the work started by FLORISPRE is still gathering momentum and the tools developed will continue to be used to combat flood risk. Outside the partner regions, the project’s DVD and best practice guide are available to any interested organisation and will be made generally accessible through the website.

“The project increased collaboration between public bodies such as civil protection agencies and local administrations, enabling them to work together to produce consistent messages and advice for citizens.”