Challenges
Because of its geographical situation Austria has plenty of experience in dealing with natural disasters, such as floods. Still, the potential of technical solutions and organisational improvements is not yet fully exploited. Digital laser scan mapping of the terrain, two-dimensional discharge modelling, cross-border and river basin related discharge forecast models as well as mobile flood protection systems are examples of technical innovations which can be used and developed further. In addition, organisational innovations play an important role, since the cooperation between different organisations is the basis for an integrated flood protection management system. Improvements can make flood protection more efficient and, at the same time, reduce negative ecological effects and costs.
Description of the measure
- International analysis of innovations in flood protection and maintenance management
- International coordination, mutual learning and exchange of experience regarding the operation of flood protection facilities (e.g. in coordination with Transboundary Water Commissions)
- Standardisation and optimisation of responsibilities in maintenance and in case of a flood event
- Accelerate the gathering of information and the data transfer with the long-term objective to generate a digital real-time picture of the situation (e.g. forecast of the potential damage)
- Conduct specific research projects and cooperations (e.g. examinations of damages, development of overflow sections, mechanisms for dam malfunctions)
- Collaborate on a gapless event documentation
Recent implementation activity
- Polder management for the protection of settlement areas
- Interactive operational map Danube-March-Thaya
Impact indicators | Lead | Cooperation partners |
Maintenance costs for flood protection facilities per year Minimisation of flood risk | viadonau | Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK), Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism (BMLRT), Austrian federal states (Länder), Transboundary Water Commissions, Verbund, research institutes |