Assessing nature-based solutions for surface runoff reduction in the Assiniboine Watershed

Dr Sheika Tamara Henry
Dr Bafour Spence
Brandon University

Research problem: The City of Brandon, located within the Assiniboine Watershed in Manitoba, Canada, is vulnerable to floods and other extreme climates. Nature-based solutions are increasingly being promoted as one of the cost-effective strategies to reduce the impact of flooding. However, there is a paucity of research regarding their effectiveness through stakeholder participation.

Innovation/novelty: This study is interdisciplinary in nature and will use stakeholder input to determine the scenarios that will be assessed. In addition, the nature-based solutions that will be assessed are envisioned to provide co-benefits from a bottom-up approach, which is often not considered in studies of this nature.

Proposed solution: This study will use a scenario-based analysis to assess the effectiveness of nature-based solutions for riverine flood risk reduction informed by stakeholder consultation. This will result in the selection of nature-based solutions that reduce surface runoff and offer co-benefits to other climate extremes. This will help to build resilience capacity.

Research Methodology: This research will use an interdisciplinary approach to assess the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in reducing surface runoff within the Assiniboine Watershed in Manitoba, Canada, informed by stakeholder consultation. HECH-HMS, a hydrologic open-source software, will conduct scenario-based analyses that will offer co-benefits to other climate extremes.

Practical application and implications:  The results obtained will enhance resilience capacity building to flooding by selecting suitable nature-based solutions informed by stakeholder engagement. It is foreseen that the nature-based solutions could provide co-benefits that address other climate challenges. This approach can be applied in other areas with similar issues.

Assumptions: The scenarios that are designed in this study exclude flooding that is the result of spring snowmelt. Although spring thaw is a major factor in flood events in the Assiniboine catchment, related data based on temporal and spatial extent are sparse. One student will be employed to assist the researchers.

Scope and limitations: To assess the effectiveness of nature-based solutions on surface runoff for the city of Brandon in Manitoba, Canada. Key components include: • Stakeholder engagement to determine the scenarios. • Runoff modelling using HEC-HMS. • Determine effective nature-based solutions with co-benefits and barriers. • Conduct knowledge dissemination. The study will be confined to riverine floods.