Understanding interdependencies in urban pluvial flood risk management: Insights from Amsterdam and Rotterdam

What the paper says

In urban pluvial flood risk management, local authorities and local collectives (e.g. citizen groups) increasingly rely on each other's contributions to develop on-the-ground solutions, thereby creating an interdependent relationship. Although it is known that these interdependencies can be beneficial, most studies have focused on interaction processes between local authorities and local collectives, paying less attention to the underlying interdependencies. This study explores how interdependencies influence flood risk management by analysing two neighbourhood-level projects in the Netherlands: Oase Noord (Oasis North) in Amsterdam, which is characterised by a shared governance model, and Dakpark (Roof Park) in Rotterdam, which reflects a self-governance approach. Interviews were held with local authorities and local collectives from the two cases, and experts involved in similar projects. Our analysis demonstrates that interdependencies can benefit collaborative processes for developing integrated pluvial flood risk management strategies, and their forms are by and large similar in shared governance and self-governance. Our empirical findings also highlight institutional challenges in recognising and using interdependencies, particularly the absence of consistent government support across both approaches. This study underscores the interdependencies between local authorities and communities and the ability of citizens to take their part in the responsibility to manage flood risks and other climate-related transitions. • Interdependency enables mutual benefits for authorities and collectives in interconnected flood-societal challenges. • Government support is key to maintain the collaboration between authorities and collectives. • However, the continuity of government support is often lacking in practice. • Neutral neighbourhood managers and mediators can enhance authority–collective collaboration.