Regional and National Policy Recommendations for Implementing the Integrated Stormwater Management in the Baltic Sea Region

TARGET GROUP: URBAN PEOPLE/DEVELOPMENT

OBJECTIVES

·        To study the characteristics of specific sites and areas, understanding the relevant impacts, and tailoring a comprehensive array of tools to individual situations. Success requires the integration of the ISWM system into the urban development processes of the city at all levels, from urban planning to operation and maintenance.

SUMMARY

Due to the climate change Baltic Sea Region (BSR) is facing more frequent and heavier rainfalls, most heavily affecting densely built and inhabited urban areas. Therefore, cities are in emerging need to deal with the common challenge of storm water flooding – a challenge that may lead to environmental degradation, infrastructure damage, risks to human safety and other adverse impacts to urban environment. Such challenge is not easily answered as it requires a holistic, comprehensive, and knowledge-based approach to storm water management. Therefore, the concept of the Integrated Storm water Management (ISWM) has emerged. According to the ISWM guidelines, developed within the iWater project1, contrary to conventional storm water management practices, the ISWM is a comprehensive approach to storm water management. Instead of a narrow focus on a single problem, the ISWM undertakes a holistic storm-water management approach.

REFERENCE

https://www.bsrwater.eu/sites/bsrw/files/stormwater_report_v1.pdf