Discussion support system for long-term flood risk management in the Netherlands

Making decisions about long-term planning for flood risk management is recognized as a complex activity, because of uncertain developments in climate, economy and demography and the many actors are usually involved in making strategic choices. A discussion support system (DSS) could enhance the communication between these actors, by ensuring a common understanding of the problem and by structuring the large amount of information.

Two prototype DSSs have been developed and tested among potential end-users. The DSSs show the long-term effect on flood risk of the current flood risk management strategy, under different future scenarios as well as the
effect of alternative strategies. The system allows different users to develop their preferred strategy as a combination of measures. The effect on the future flood risk is directly shown.
In addition, costs and indirect effects such as
on nature can be evaluated. The additional
value of a DSS is that the user learns about
the concept of flood risk by playing with
combinations of for example dike raising and
spatial planning.