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APFM – Associated Programme on Flood Management

Hosted by: WMO – World Meteorological Organisation
Keywords: Flood, flood management

Project description

The Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM) is a joint initiative of the World Meteorological Organization and the Global Water Partnership. The APFM facilitates the dialogue to governmental agencies and provides a platform for guidance on flood management policy, strategy and institutional development.
The programme’s objective is to promote the concept of Integrated Flood Management (IFM) as a new approach in dealing and living with floods.

Mission
The mission of the APFM is to support countries in the integrated management of floods within the overall framework of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). The APFM particularly aims to support National Meteorological and Hydrological Services.
Objectives
• Establish the principles of Integrated Flood Management (IFM)
• Help assimilate IFM within the overall Integrated Water Resources Management,
• Identify gaps in present flood management practices, and to stimulate partners to meet critical needs within their available human and financial resources,
• Support actions at all levels: national, regional, local and river basin-wide,
• Provide a platform for a common strategic vision on integrated flood management issues, and to promote the implementation of effective policies and strategies worldwide,
• Promote awareness about flood management issues, build political commitment and trigger action at all levels, and
• Provide advice and relevant information to institutions and decision-makers on flood management issues.

Integrated Flood Management (IFM): a new approach

There is a need for an approach to flood management that improves the functioning of the river basin as a whole, recognizing that floods have beneficial impacts and can never be fully controlled. Such an approach seeks to maximize the net benefits from the use of floodplains and to minimize loss of life, subordinating flood loss reduction to the overall goal of maximizing the efficient use of the floodplain.
Integrated Flood Management (IFM) is a process that promotes an integrated, rather than fragmented, approach to flood management. It integrates land and water resources development in a river basin, within the context of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), with a view to maximizing the efficient use of floodplains and to minimizing loss of life. The according Concept Paper describes the principles, objectives and aspects of Integrated Flood Management in detail.


Visit the program’s HELPDESK facility to access manuals, reports and tools, or, get help.

Source of text, figures and links: APFM project website

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