Mapping Flood Co-Adaptation Strategies in a Vulnerable River Basin: Engaging Youth in Collaborative Decision-Making

Climate change-induced flooding presents severe challenges to vulnerable catchments like the Tiram River Basin (TRB) in Johor, Malaysia, where historical data indicates an intensifying shift toward moderate and heavy rainfall events. This study evaluates the integration of high school students into flood co-adaptation mapping using structured, group-based co-creation activities. The intervention employed pre- and post-questionnaires, resilience presentations, and participatory mapping exercises to evaluate risk-zone identification and the prioritization of multi-sectoral adaptation strategies. Results demonstrated statistically significant advancements in individual flood understanding (p < 0.001), with correct conceptual alignment rising from 24.6% to 100%, urban-only misconceptions dropping to 0%, and preferences shifting toward green and social strategies. Group performance analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between participation and collaboration (r = 0.85, p < 0.001), proving that active engagement enhanced collective problem-solving. Through spatial mapping, student cohorts established a clear consensus, identifying public infrastructure as safe zones and low-lying, river-adjacent areas as high-risk regions. Their proposals integrated smart water management, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) monitoring, and ecosystem-based adaptations. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that engaging youth in collaborative decision-making and participatory mapping fosters spatial literacy and critical thinking. By bridging physical climate science with participatory social science, this framework enhances local flood preparedness and provides a scalable template for inclusive, bottom-up climate adaptation planning.