A new concept of flood governance and management:logical evolution and practical considerations

ZHONG Zhiyu

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-1123.2026.05.001

Abstract：In recent years,under the influence of global climate change,China has faced increased risks of flood disasters,along with amplified overlapping and spillover effects of such disasters.How to balance the relationship between humans and floods,and better adapt to changing environments,has become an urgent question requiring a new answer.Facing new situations,challenges,and problems and building on a deeper understanding of flood patterns,China has further developed a tripartite perception of floods,recognizing their destructiveness,resource potential,and functional roles.This has gradually led to the emergence of a new concept of flood governance and management that integrates flood control,flood utilization,and flood shaping.This concept is the inevitable outcome of historical,theoretical,and practical developments,offering a fresh perspective for addressing flood disaster risks in a changing environment and enhancing water security capabilities.China has actively explored and implemented this new concept of flood governance and management,continuously strengthening flood risk prevention and control while balancing the resource attributes and functional value of floods through scientific utilization.These efforts have promoted harmonious coexistence between humans and water,achieving notable governance results.Flood control,flood utilization,and flood shaping form a deeply interconnected and complex systemic project.Constructing a systematic solution for these elements requires high levels of foresight and precision in regulation.This necessitates coordinating"hard investments"in engineering with"soft development"in management to establish an efficient and robust support system.