Community engagement on climate adaptation to flood risk

This evidence review is part of a larger project looking at community engagement for long-term adaptation to flood and coastal erosion risk. This evidence review is part of a larger project looking at community engagement for long-term adaptation to flood and coastal erosion risk. Climate change may increase flooding or coastal erosion for many communities. The aim of this project is to develop approaches to engagement on climate risks and future options in locations where existing measures will not work in the long term. The Environment Agency wants to work closely with affected communities to help them make decisions about their future. This project is producing resources for practitioners and decision-makers to guide this collaborative engagement process. 

What have we found so far?

The evidence review is based on an assessment of over 300 reports and academic papers. Recommendations include:

· Assess the readiness of communities, stakeholders and authorities to make adaptation decisions.

· Consider how people’s attachment to places affects decision-making on local change.

· Frame issues sensitively. Using appropriate language can increase people’s comprehension of adaptation and reduce contention.

· Be attentive to local needs and conditions. Set realistic engagement goals based on this.

· Adopt a co-production approach. Include engagement practitioners, technical specialists, artists and local residents.

· Use participatory methods to build understanding and capacity. Suggested approaches include simulations, visualisation, storytelling and conflict analysis.

· Create ways to better share learning What have we found so far? The evidence review is based on an assessment of over 300 reports and academic papers.

Recommendations include:

· Assess the readiness of communities, stakeholders and authorities to make adaptation decisions.

· Consider how people’s attachment to places affects decision-making on local change.

· Frame issues sensitively. Using appropriate language can increase people’s comprehension of adaptation and reduce contention.

· Be attentive to local needs and conditions. Set realistic engagement goals based on this.

· Adopt a co-production approach. Include engagement practitioners, technical specialists, artists and local residents.

· Use participatory methods to build understanding and capacity. Suggested approaches include simulations, visualisation, storytelling and conflict analysis.

· Create ways to better share learning …

Click here to read the report