The CIWEM Welsh branch in partnership with ICE Cymru
The annual Wales National Flood Conference is organised by the CIWEM Welsh branch in partnership with ICE Cymru. Held in Cardiff Bay, Binnies are proud to be sponsoring this event which provides a fantastic opportunity to learn about the latest developments in flood risk management in Wales and to network with professionals from across the water sector.
In its 22nd year, the conference explores the theme of ‘Engineering and Nature: Seeking Balance in Flood Risk Management’.
Strategic drivers for coastal adaptation in Wales
Mohammad Ahmad, Binnies Regional Delivery Manager (Wales) and Dr Richard Park, Natural Resources Wales Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru, are presenting on ‘Coastal Adaptation and evidence-based adaptive management thresholds and options.’
Vulnerable coastal communities and habitats in Wales face increasing pressure from rising sea levels, coastal erosion and changing flood protection standards driven by the climate crisis. Natural Resources Wales is working with local authorities, stakeholders and the public through its coastal adaptation programme to develop sustainable options for managing flood and coastal erosion risks, balancing engineering approaches by integrating nature and nature-based solutions and environmental outcomes where relevant.
This presentation outlines strategic drivers for coastal adaptation in Wales, focusing on when changes to current flood defence management become necessary. While local contexts vary, examples include assets reaching the end of their design life, sea level rise reducing protection standards, and accelerating coastal erosion. The importance and priority to plan for these transition points in a timely manner for communities at-risk and the environment is discussed, alongside the challenges and opportunities of setting out a roadmap for coastal change in Wales.