Author(s): Ioannis M. Kourtis; Chrysaida-Aliki Papadopoulou; Maria P. Papadopoulou; Chrysi S. Laspidou; Vassilios A. Tsihrintzis
Linked Author(s): Vassilios A. Tsihrintzis
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: In the present work, a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework is proposed, aiming at the preliminary assessment of different Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for flood risk management. The alternative NbS, i. e., afforestation, basin restoration and creation of intermittently flooding wetlands were assessed on the basis of five evaluation criteria, including: flood mitigation, economic, social and environmental benefits as well as associated benefits offered by ecosystem services. Criteria weights were calculated by employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. In addition, a ranking system was introduced for assessing the impacts of different alternatives. The suggested assessment approach was tested in a small sub-basin of the transboundary Nestos river, shared by Greece and Bulgaria. Results revealed that the most efficient alternative is afforestation. Moreover, it can be noted that the approach adopted in this analysis may effectively support pre-feasibility studies supporting the holistic assessment of different NbS for flood risk management.
Year: 2022