How are households contributing to flood risk management? Empirical evidence from a highly flood-prone urban region in Central Vietnam

• DOI: 10.5194/egusphere-egu24-2108
• Publication Date: 2024-03-08T10:59:06Z
• Authors: Dominic Sett; Lena C. Grobusch; Ulrike Schinkel; Chau Le Dang Bao; Chau Nguyen Dang ...; Linh Nguyen Hoang...; Matthias Garschagen; Michael Hagenlocher
• Keywords: Flood risk management; Empirical evidence

Flood risks are exacerbating around the globe, often exceeding capacities to adapt, thus leaving people at risk and raising critical questions on how adaptation gaps can be overcome. In response observed flood protection gaps, a behavioural turn in management is (Kuhlicke et al. 2020). This characterised by an increased motivation of households engage individual one hand institutionally shifted responsibilities from public authorities towards individuals other. however evokes social, political, ethical role contribution (and other actors) management. Therefore, our research aims explore contributions divided between households, different levels government, actors paper vs. practice, highlighting key empirical findings case study Hue, flood-prone urban region Central Vietnam. Methodologically, draws upon qualitative content analysis national provincial legal governance documents statistical analyses household survey results (n=606) March April 2023. Conceptually, social contract theory (Blackburn & Pelling 2018) reveal differences legal-institutional, perceived, practised contracts for management, including underlying drivers disparities. On paper, government (from local) legally assigned primary particularly when it comes financing, preparedness, response. At same time, 60% surveyed perceive themselves as being most responsible actor Hence, attribute significantly higher level responsibility engaging opposed local authorities, civil society, foreign aid actors, private sector. significant share (89%) has engaged diverse temporary preparedness actions during past flooding incidents, such placing sandbags front house. However, only few (16%) have permanent elevating house floor, 5% implemented these proactively, gap adaptive compared coping interventions. The assessment perceived revealed that amongst factors, income perception shape act, while experiences appraisal people’s act. presentation concludes with context-specific policy recommendations avenues future contribute closing gaps. All-in-all, provides novel insights navigating complex divisions stakeholders, more specifically understanding optimising engagement practice Hue cities facing similar challenges.