GiFluid – Interreg Italia

The project, known as GiFluid (Green Infrastructures to mitigate flood risks in Urban and sub-urban areas and to improve the quality of rainwater discharges), addresses the escalating threat of flood occurrences in coastal catchment regions across Sicily and Malta, stemming from the repercussions of climate change. This hazard is further intensified by human activities, particularly the rapid urbanization of low-lying zones within these catchments, posing significant risks to human life, economic stability, and cultural heritage. To confront these challenges, the project aims to mitigate flood risks by enhancing the incorporation of nature-based solutions within urbanized segments of these catchments. By diminishing rain runoff and restoring water to natural environments, the project strives to foster comprehensive improvements in cross-border coastal communities.

The project recognizes the increased risk of flood events in coastal catchment areas in Sicily and Malta, resulting from the impacts of climate change. This risk has been exacerbated by anthropogenic activities, including the increased urbanization of the low-lying areas of these catchments, creating increased hazards to human life, economic and cultural activities.

The project focuses on the mitigation of these risks, through the increased integration of nature-based solutions in the urbanized sections of these catchments, reducing the flow of rain runoff-water and more importantly giving back water to nature, hence supporting the comprehensive optimization of cross-border coastal communities.

1. Test and adapt three types of Green Urban Infrastructure (GUIs) – porous pavements, rain gardens, and green roofs – in laboratory and real-world settings in Sicily and Malta.
2. Integrate these GUIs into a GIS-based catchment model to simulate runoff flows and flooding scenarios, covering approximately 70 square kilometers of critical urban and suburban areas in both regions.
3. Develop a masterplan consolidating findings from the previous actions, offering a methodology to assist local authorities in determining the most economically viable application of GUIs for flood risk mitigation.

Upon completion, the project anticipates several significant outcomes. Firstly, the implementation of GUIs, tested and adapted to the Mediterranean context, is expected to mitigate flood risks effectively. Through the GIS-based catchment model, local and regional authorities will gain access to a valuable planning tool, enabling informed decision-making regarding the deployment of GUIs to address varying flood scenarios. The masterplan will further streamline this process, providing a systematic approach for determining the optimal level of GUI application based on economic considerations. This holistic framework will not only enhance flood resilience but also facilitate comparisons between GUIs and traditional solutions, considering factors such as environmental, social, and economic costs and benefits.

Additionally, the project will produce a policy paper, presenting its technical and scientific findings to policymakers, thus advocating for the widespread adoption of GUIs as a flood mitigation strategy. Furthermore, communication and dissemination activities, including conferences, green labs, technical visits, and expert exchanges, will promote the integration of GUI planning and design within Low Impact Development practices in critical urban and suburban areas. Overall, the project aims to foster sustainable and resilient communities while addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change-induced flood risks in coastal catchment regions.