Personal reflections on the Wales National Flood Conference

19 December 2025

Recent flooding in Monmouthshire focussed minds at an annual event organised by CIWEM’s Welsh Branch on the need for hybrid solutions to flood risk management

In November I had the pleasure of attending the 22nd Wales National Flood Conference, hosted by the CIWEM Welsh Branch in partnership with the Institution of Civil Engineers Wales Cymru. Representing CIWEM’s presidential team, I found myself in the heart of Cardiff, surrounded by people passionate about flood risk management and nature. The message was clear: flood and coastal risk is a shared problem and so is the responsibility to solve it.

The theme, ‘Engineering and Nature: Seeking Balance in Flood Risk Management’ provided an opportunity to explore how nature-based solutions can complement traditional engineering solutions. Recent flood events across Wales, particularly in Monmouthshire, have been a stark reminder of why a hard engineering approach to flood risk management is insufficient when it comes to increasing resilience. River levels on the River Monnow reached record levels during Storm Claudia last month, overwhelming defences in Monmouth and causing widespread flooding. Events like this are likely to increase in frequency and intensity as our climate changes – nature-based solutions must be part of the mix going forwards.

The conference theme resonates strongly with our CIWEM presidential theme this year: ‘Green roots, growing prosperity’. Flood risk management isn’t just about protection, it’s about enabling communities to thrive despite climate challenges, and both themes share the core philosophy that the environment can support resilience. Both CIWEM president John Curtin and I passionately believe that the environment should be seen as an enabler for growth, not a blocker. Research by the Green Finance Institute from 2024 shows that nature degradation in the UK could reduce GDP by 4.7% within the decade. Our theme aims to challenge the damaging narrative that has taken hold: that environmental regulation and protection is a barrier to national economic growth. Instead, it positions environmental stewardship as the foundation for sustainable growth.

CIWEM members are uniquely positioned to lead this shift. Branch events like the Wales National Flood Conference showcase the incredible work happening to enhance nature and to protect communities. They are also opportunities to share knowledge, celebrate success stories and inspire action. And inspired I was! As Wales’s deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies reminded us in his keynote address, the expertise and enthusiasm in that room in Cardiff is the very foundation of national flood resilience.

A highlight was hearing from the Welsh government about the Mumbles coastal protection scheme (pictured at the top of this article), which will reduce the risk of coastal flooding to homes and businesses along a stretch of the Swansea Bay coastline and deliver wider benefits. The restored promenade is wider and more attractive, encouraging more recreational use. Textured panels to propagate marine life have been installed along the new sea wall, providing biodiversity benefits. The accessibility of the panels and the new sea wall have provided hands-on learning opportunities to children at local schools. As early careers president, I love that this project is inspiring the next generation of flood risk engineers.

Coastal adaptation plans, the British government’s Working with Natural Processes – Evidence Directory and digital tools are all vital for supporting and guiding our members in developing and delivering projects every day. In his overview of the current flood and coastal erosion risk management landscape in Wales, Jeremy Parr of Natural Resources Wales reminded us that flood risk is a shared societal problem. Collaboration beyond technical experts is needed for community resilience and adaptation. Nature-based solutions are part of the puzzle, but we need to move towards holistic solutions that have the maximum benefit given the resources we have available. Case studies from across Wales and beyond demonstrated this message perfectly, showing how a mosaic of nature-based solutions can support resilience.

We also heard about the River Severn Partnership, an ambitious and comprehensive programme spanning England and Wales to achieve a truly catchment-based approach. The programme’s objectives go beyond flood risk management, focussing on soil health, biodiversity, skills, local growth and the integrated management of too much and too little water. It was an inspiring example of where partnership working and thinking about rivers as enablers for prosperity can unlock novel opportunities.

Another personal highlight was the early careers poster competition, a thoughtful addition that showcased the talent and dedication of our future leaders. Providing these opportunities is vital, and I am delighted to see organisers championing early careers professionals. Their voices matter in shaping resilient, nature-positive solutions.

The conference was full of insightful, real-world examples of how we can, and must, balance engineering and nature to manage flood risk. It was an honour to learn from some of the passionate individuals and teams driving this work in Wales and beyond. My key takeaway? We need integrated solutions, balancing technical and natural approaches, and fostering the partnerships that deliver them. Place-based approaches are essential to meet community needs.

As CIWEM’s early careers president I am committed to championing the collaboration and innovation of our members. The conversations in Cardiff reminded me that our greatest strength lies in working together – communities, engineers, scientists, environmentalists and more, towards solutions that respect nature and protect people.

Background photo credit: Swansea Council.

Connect with the CIWEM Welsh Branch on LinkedIn. You can also learn more about CIWEM's 2025/26 Presidential Theme.

Emily Blaney is CIWEM’s early careers president and a principal water consultant at WSP