PIANC Working With Nature Philosophy

Transcription

1 PIANC Working With Nature Philosophy Experiences and Challenges Presentation on behalf of PIANC Environmental Commission by Harald Köthe Belgium CEDA-PIANC Young Professionals Event 17. October 2014, Brussels

2 Presentation Outline 1. What is Working with Nature (WwN)? 2. Why is WwN Important? 3. How is WwN Applied? 4. WwN Projects Database 5. WwN Certificates and Awards

3 What is Working with Nature? Philosophy that: Aims to provide a practical framework for sustainable navigation infrastructure development. It does this by: Focusing on achieving project objectives in an ecosystem context. X Not: assessing the consequences of a predefined project design. Focusing on win-win solutions. X Not: simply minimising ecological harm.

4 History of Working with Nature 2008 Concept developed by PIANC Environmental Commission 2011 Endorsed by PIANC 2012 WwN Project database and Awards launched 2014 First WwN Award Presented

5 Current Impact Assessment Approach Project Design Assess Environmental Impact Mitigate Impacts Amend Design The current approach typically leads to: environmental loss sub-optimal design project delays and frustrations missed opportunities

6 Why adopt a WwN Approach? Current Impact Assessment approach is not sustainable. More and more complex planning and approvals procedures. BUT Increasing trade requires more and more efficient waterborne transport infrastructure. AND Aquatic ecosystems are vital to human economic well being (water resources, nutrient cycling, food, flood defence, recreation, tourism). Natural environment is under ever increasing pressure from population growth and climate change.

7 WwN: A Different Way of Thinking Doing things in a different order Project Need & Objectives Understand the Environment Stakeholder Engagement to identify win-wins Project Design & Net Gain for Environment Project objectives are being considered from the perspective of the natural system and not the technical design. Achieves better environmental protection or enhancement alongside economic development. Reduces delays and frustrations.

8 Questions to Ask? 1. Can the objectives be achieved to avoid adverse impacts and protect / enhance the existing resource? 2. If not, how can the impacts be mitigated to a level that is not significant whilst also maximising enhancement opportunities? 3. How can opportunities be included to restore habitats or recreate lost habitats? 4. Are there other opportunities to create habitats?

9 WwN Project Database 16 projects submitted to date covering: Use of natural river training structures Use of biological material & processes Use of natural morphological processes Creation of natural or bio-engineered river banks Creating, enhancing and relocating habitats Creating of floodable areas Protection of coral reefs Beneficial reuse of dredged material Restoration and compensation issues

10 World Map of Submitted Projects

11 WwN Projects Certificates & Awards 1. Certificate of Recognition Projects that have 1 or more elements of WwN philosophy, have legal consent and are underway or finished. 2. Candidate for Certificate of Recognition Projects that do not have legal consent but the WwN approach is evident. 3. Supporter of WwN Research or pilot projects that reinforce the WwN idea and may deliver future ways for putting WwN into practice. 4 Yearly Awards presented at PIANC International World Congress

12 2014 Winner: New Tidal Area Kreetsand 1st Objective to reduce tidal energy and flood current which would reduce upstream sediment transport and the need for dredging. Created 30ha new tidal area, far beyond legal requirements. Location for nature observation and recreation. Increases knowledge and awareness of tidal systems, sediment management and estuarine habitat. Hamburg Port Authority, Germany

13 New Tidal Area Kreetsand, Germany 1 Understands the environment before design begins 1st 2 Works with natural processes 3 Delivers a net gain for the environment 4 Uses stakeholder engagement to identify win-wins Benefits: Port uses Water management Nature conservation Local recreation

14 2nd Place: 3 Meter Navigation Channel Middle Mississippi Objective is to ensure reliable navigation depths and widths. Endangered bird and fish species required innovative ways to ensure navigation needs met whilst enahcing habitat for fish and wildlife. New rock training structures designed and implemented that create environmental diversity and enhanced habitat. Sturcutres still address navigation needs. US Army Corps of Engineers, USA 2nd

15 3 Meter Navigation Channel Middle Mississippi, USA 1 Understands the environment before design begins 2nd 2 Works with natural processes 3 Delivers a net gain for the environment 4 Uses stakeholder engagement to identify win-wins Benefits: Navigation requirements Fish and wildlife habitat creation Reduced maintenance dredging

16 3rd Place: Flood Spillway at Rees 3rd River bed erosion was affecting navigable waters. New flood spillway will reduce flow velocity in main river channel. Benefit to City of Rees for flood control, as peak highwater level will be lowered by 8cm. Additional benefits for nature conservation, farming & recreation also realised. Waterways & Shipping Office Duisburg-Rhein, Germany

17 Flood Spillway at Rees, Germany 1 Understands the environment before design begins 3rd 2 Works with natural processes 3 Delivers a net gain for the environment 4 Uses stakeholder engagement to identify win-wins Benefits: Commercial navigation Flood control Nature conservation, farming, recreation

18 PIANC WwN Award Winners 2014

19 The Rewards of Working with Nature Extend Far Beyond the Environment. Submit Your Project to WwN Database at Thank you