Implementation process

By looking at the the activities, actors and methods or approaches used, this section will provide a better understanding of the implementation process of the MLS approach. We will describe the point of departure, who was involved (when, why and how) and what key decisions were made when and why.

Point of departure of FRM strategies

The initial and desired score to reach per layer in the Geraardsbergen pilot has not yet been established.

Stakeholders involved

The primary stakeholders are citizens and companies located in flood-prone zones (as defined by the flood risk maps). In addition, the following stakeholders are identified:

• Public actors: The municipality of Geraardsbergen
• Citizens: Inhabitants/farmers of neighbouring floodable and non-floodable areas
• Private actors: The initial plan was to involve several private actors. Following the delimitation of the focus zone in Moerbeke-Viane, however, no private actors were invited.

Role of key actors

Public actors: The collaboration with Geraardsbergen started later, in September 2018. Geraardsbergen was originally not part of the project pilot but showed a very positive collaborative stance, probably due to the fact that the city already had taken participative measures with local inhabitants and that because it is more often subject to flooding.

Citizens: Citizens gave their input about their view of the area, points of interest, areas that need improvement and potential green and blue areas. Their further participation in the project is still being developed. 

Main activities

At the start of the project, the Province of East Flanders and the UGhent developed a participation strategy including a stakeholder analysis whom they wanted to reach, and how to involve them. There were three target groups: flood-prone citizens (1), wider community (2) and local governments (3). 

• Flood prone citizens: Flood prone citizens were not explicitly contacted in the Geraardsbergen pilot.
• Wider community: Local citizens in floodable areas were contacted a first time at a market to get input about their viewpoint on the possible future development of the area.
• Local authorities: The municipality of Geraardsbergen was contacted in September 2018 and showed great interest in participating in a research-by-design project.

Referenties

• Transnational Monitor and Evaluation report FRAMES, FRAMES, FRAMES, 8 juni 2020.