Urban Flooding & Nature-based Solutions - Lessons Learned from an Exploratory Case Study of Kigali Rwanda
Authors
Kristiansen, Rikke ; Rye, Thale Jacobsen
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2022
Submitted on
2022-05-31
Pages
128
Abstract
Dette eksplorative studie undersøger, hvordan Kigali, Rwandas hovedstad, håndterer stigende byoversvømmelser, som forværres af menneskeskabt klimaforandring, samt relaterede udfordringer ved hurtig byudvikling. Det afdækker også, i hvilket omfang naturbaserede løsninger (NbS) – tiltag der bruger eller efterligner naturens processer, fx genskabelse af vådområder eller flere grønne arealer – er ved at blive en ny måde at styrke byens robusthed og regnvandshåndtering. For at forstå kompleksiteten bygger studiet på Grounded Theory (indsigter udvikles direkte fra data) og Multi-Level Perspective på socio-tekniske omstillinger (hvordan innovationer bevæger sig fra niche til at ændre systemer). Data stammer primært fra kvalitative metoder som ekspertinterviews og feltobservationer, suppleret af en kvantitativ kortlægning kaldet Blue Spot Mapping (en metode til at identificere lavninger, hvor vand kan samle sig). Resultaterne peger på, at Kigalis hurtige vækst forstærker klimarelaterede oversvømmelser, mens byspredning sker på bekostning af biodiversitet og økosystemer. Den eksisterende planlægnings- og regnvandshåndteringspraksis er under pres og håndterer ikke tilstrækkeligt disse sammenvævede udfordringer. Samtidig er der opstået en mulighed for, at NbS kan få fodfæste som en ny tilgang, men flere barrierer hæmmer, at NbS går fra niche til norm. Studiet præsenterer anbefalinger, der skal lukke de identificerede huller og fremskynde omstillingen. Det konkluderer, at Kigali hurtigst muligt bør styrke klimatilpasning gennem NbS og fremme helhedsorienteret, naturcentreret planlægning for at øge byens robusthed og forbedre regnvandshåndteringen.
This exploratory study examines how Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is addressing growing urban flooding worsened by human-caused climate change and the challenges of rapid urban development. It also asks to what extent Nature-based Solutions (NbS)—measures that use or mimic natural processes, for example restoring wetlands or adding green spaces—are emerging as a new way to strengthen urban resilience and stormwater management. To make sense of this complex issue, the study draws on Grounded Theory (building insights directly from data) and the Multi-Level Perspective on socio-technical transitions (how innovations move from niches to reshape systems). Data were gathered mainly through qualitative methods, including expert interviews and on-site observations, and were complemented by a quantitative screening called Blue Spot Mapping (a method to identify local depressions where water can accumulate). Findings indicate that Kigali’s rapid expansion is intensifying climate-related flooding, while urban sprawl is occurring at the expense of biodiversity and ecosystems. The current urban planning and stormwater management regime is under pressure and does not adequately address these interconnected challenges. At the same time, a window of opportunity has opened for NbS to take root as a new approach, yet several barriers prevent NbS from moving from niche to norm. The study offers recommendations to bridge these gaps and accelerate the transition. It concludes that Kigali urgently needs to advance climate adaptation through NbS and adopt holistic, nature-centered planning to improve urban resilience and stormwater management.
[This summary has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
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