Rivers often have a history of flooding, whilst only providing limited amenity or environmental value to local communities. Water & Environment 2011: CIWEM’s Annual Conference will be discussing how an integrated approach to flood risk management can bring communities a wide range of benefits.
The Connswater, Knock and Loop rivers flow through heavily industrialised and densely populated districts in East Belfast, with over 2,500 properties at significant risk of flooding. These East Belfast rivers have a history of flooding and following a major event in 2007, DARD Rivers Agency concluded an economic study for a £16 million flood alleviation scheme that includes river diversion works, on-line flood attenuation, culvert upgradings and traditional flood defences.
The Rivers Agency and East Belfast Partnership have formally agreed to integrate the delivery of the East Belfast Flood Alleviation and Connswater Community Greenway Schemes, creating a linear park that will restore these rivers as community assets, connect communities in East Belfast, improve the living environment and act as a catalyst for further development.
At Water & Environment 2011: CIWEM’s Annual Conference, Peter Smyth from Jacobs will summarise the significant benefits of this integrated approach including innovative design, partnership working and funding, active community engagement and the significant financial savings this Big Society based project has delivered.
Water & Environment 2011 will focus on the Big Society and aims to provide a comprehensive response to the Government’s Programme. The event takes place on 6th and 7th April 2011 and will include a mix of keynote speakers, offered papers, exhibitions and networking opportunities that will make this the key event for water and environment professionals. Richard Benyon MP, Minister for Natural Environment and Fisheries, and Tony Juniper, environmentalist and former Executive Director of Friends of the Earth are just two of the confirmed keynote speakers to give their response to the Government’s programme. For more information, go to http://www.ciwem.org/events/annual-conference.aspx.
Source: The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)
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