Translating the complexities of flood risk science using KEEPER – a knowledge exchange exploratory tool for professionals in emergency response

Meghan Alexander (Lead Author), Christophe Viavattene , Hazel Faulkner, Sally Priest

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    10 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Within flood risk management (FRM) decision making, there is a growing interest in participatory approaches to engage and integrate stakeholder expertise. Decision support tools are becoming common features in the FRM ‘toolkit’, yet there is a limited application of participatory methodologies in the construction of such tools. This paper reports on completed FRMRC research (Flood Risk Management Research Consortium, UK http://www.floodrisk.org.uk/) and the construction of a geographic information system‐based flood risk assessment tool, KEEPER – a Knowledge Exchange Exploratory tool for Professionals in Emergency Response. An iterative methodology was used to engage emergency professionals throughout the research process, allowing a mixing of scientific and professional expertise in the co‐production of KEEPER. KEEPER was both instrumental in facilitating participation and knowledge exchange, and informing recommendations for future tools in practice. This paper argues that participation is both essential for supporting pragmatic flood research and as a means of enhancing communication across traditionally divided communities.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)205-216
    Number of pages12
    JournalJournal of Flood Risk Management
    Volume7
    Issue number3
    Early online date8 Mar 2013
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2014

    Keywords

    • Flood risk
    • Social vulnerability
    • GIS
    • Knowledge exchange

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