Adaptation to Floods in Riga, Latvia: Historical Experience and Change of Approaches

Flood prevention and adaptation to floods are among the key priorities in climate change adaptation, especially in coastal urban territories as in the case of Riga. Directive 2007/60/EC specifies the general structure and objectives of flood risk management plans and the recommended mitigation measures. However, in each particular case specific local aspects should be considered. The aim of this study is to examine the historical experience and approaches to reduce flooding in Riga. Historical and current local knowledge, both in explicit and tacit forms, as well as scientific knowledge, which provides the international context for assessment, planning and implementation, are important for a new type of flood risk management that moves from a technical to a multidisciplinary and integrative approach. By using various information sources, the chapter provides an account of historical extreme flood events in the city of Riga since the thirteenth century and outlines the flood prevention measures implemented. The distribution, communication, and transference of knowledge relevant for flood prevention are ensured by stakeholder involvement. Multi-stakeholder participation in the decision-making process can lead to cost-effective results in a timely manner in a way that the results are not only optimized, but also socially acceptable. In the case of Riga, international cooperation in climate change adaptation resulted in the development and implementation of a flood management approach with extended stakeholder involvement. Integrative use of gained knowledge for local flood protection needs has been identified as a prerequisite for adapting to the changing environment. This edition first published 2013