Floodplains along the Danube River evaluated with the Floodplain Evaluation Matrix (FEM) determining their importance for flood protection, ecology, and socio-economics

Markus Eder, Helmut Habersack (), Max Preiml, Francesca Perosa, Sabrina Scheuer, Marion Gelhaus, Bernd Cyffka, Timea Kiss, Boudewijn Leeuwen, Zalán Tobak, György Sipos, Nándor Csikos, Anna Smetanova, Sabina Bokal, Andrea Samu, Tamas Gruber, Andreea-Cristina Galie, Marinela Moldovenau, Petrişor Mazilu and Michael Tritthart
Additional contact information
Markus Eder: BOKU University
Helmut Habersack: BOKU University
Max Preiml: BOKU University
Francesca Perosa: Technical University of Munich
Sabrina Scheuer: BOKU University
Marion Gelhaus: Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt
Bernd Cyffka: Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt
Timea Kiss: University of Szeged
Boudewijn Leeuwen: University of Szeged
Zalán Tobak: University of Szeged
György Sipos: University of Szeged
Nándor Csikos: Institute for Soil Sciences
Anna Smetanova: Global Water Partnership Central and Eastern Europe
Sabina Bokal: Global Water Partnership Central and Eastern Europe
Andrea Samu: WWF Hungary
Tamas Gruber: WWF Hungary
Andreea-Cristina Galie: National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management
Marinela Moldovenau: National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management
Petrişor Mazilu: National Administration “Romanian Waters”
Michael Tritthart: BOKU University

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2025, vol. 121, issue 1, No 25, 623-660

Abstract: Abstract This study presents a method to investigate the influence of active floodplains on flood protection, ecology, and socio-economics. We used and further developed the Floodplain Evaluation Matrix (FEM) to systematically assess the Danube River, known as the most international river worldwide. The study also aims to develop a method applicable to other large rivers, taking into account different data availability and research objectives. Hydrological, hydraulic, ecological, and socio-economic parameters were assessed to address the multiple functions and services of floodplains. The evaluation showed that some active floodplains significantly reduce the impact of a 100-year flood event, with relative flood peak reductions by up to 17% and decelerating the flood wave by up to 41.5 h. While other floodplains may not have a noticeable impact on hydrological or hydraulic parameters, they play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity by providing essential habitats for protected species. We introduced an approach to assess whether a floodplain should be preserved and to categorize the restoration demand as low, medium, or high. Our findings indicate a universal need for preservation and restoration measures across all floodplains, with 81% demonstrating a high or medium demand for restoration. Preservation and restoration of floodplains are integral parts of achieving more sustainable floodplain management for each river. Applying the FEM to other large rivers could create a basis for sustainable decision-making, increase awareness of the multiple benefits of floodplains, and foster the implementation of preservation and restoration measures.

Keywords: Floodplain management; Preservation; Restoration; Flood risk management; Hydrodynamic modelling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-024-06788-7

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