Values influence public perceptions of flood management schemes

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Hydrology
• Social Science

Background:

• Natural Flood Management (NFM) is a recognized approach to flood risk reduction, utilizing natural processes and catchment-wide perspectives.
• Despite scientific and managerial interest, public perception of NFM remains under-researched.
• Understanding public views is crucial for effective implementation of NFM strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore UK public preferences for various flood risk management schemes, including NFM.
• To assess how scheme characteristics influence public preferences using Q-methodology.
• To investigate the relationship between transcendental values and NFM scheme preferences.

Main Methods:

• An online survey of the UK public was conducted.
• Q-methodology with photographic stimuli was used to analyze preferences.
• Statistical analysis explored correlations between values and scheme preferences.

Main Results:

• NFM approaches were favored for appearance and wildlife, but traditional engineering (e.g., dams) was perceived as more effective for flood mitigation.
• Three preference factors emerged: "Engineered - Natural", "Messy - Neat", and "Grey - Green".
• Self-Transcendence values correlated positively with NFM (tree planting, wetlands) and negatively with dams/weirs. Conservative values correlated positively with dredging/weirs and negatively with wetlands.

Conclusions:

• Public perception of NFM is diverse and influenced by underlying value systems.
• Communicating NFM effectiveness is key to addressing public concerns.
• Tailoring NFM communication to resonate with varied public values is essential for successful implementation.