Addressing the different aspects of urban land use and urban flood risk together, and identifying ways to manage them successfully

Examining the links between land use and flood risk is essential for sustainable urban development and effective flood management. The combined effects of urbanisation and climate change are significantly increasing urban flood risk, as the often-uncoordinated expansion of cities is leading to a loss of natural catchments and green spaces, reducing the soil's capacity to absorb water and increasing surface runoff. Urban planning must take into account land use changes that have a direct impact on the hydrological conditions of watersheds. A key element in managing urban flood risk is appropriate land use planning to prevent overdevelopment, especially in high flood-risk areas. Research shows that infrastructure investments should be implemented in a coordinated way to reduce future flood risks. Sustainable flood management will require holistic approaches, including structural and non-structural measures. Such measures include community involvement, green infrastructure development and protecting and restoring natural river basins.