Discussion & Conclusion

In this report, we have discussed the research question: “From an ecological, societal and institutional standpoint, how can Nyhavna become more resilient in case of flooding due to the sea level rise?”. We understand that climate change has the potential to exacerbate the issue. However, given our scenario, which included ample human and financial resources, we were able to think freely about the subject. Nyhavna is currently a low-density development with primarily business activity and limited residential growth. However, the site is intended for future mixed-use development. As a result, we investigated the effects of sea-level rise on low-density development now and how this would change the direction of future development.

According to our assumptions, the Nyhavna district already has a disaster management authority. In Trondheim, the disaster management authority is in charge of this team, which should comprise people with diverse backgrounds such as urban planners, economists, engineers, and architects. They will study several flood scenarios and summarize the community’s risk assessment. They work closely with the community and other stakeholders.

So, our main discussion is that we need to have a multidisciplinary approach toward the future development in Nyhavna. As a result, we developed our research from three standpoints of societal, ecological, and institutional to highlight the fact that we should consider multiple factors, different expertises, and our site capacities and stakeholders at the same time.

In this regard, Figure 31 illustrates the high-value assets of Nyhavna future development in general which are the major considerations in planning and policy-making processes. It highlights the critical resources, infrastructure, and natural features that contribute to the development, resilience, and safety of the area in the future. By identifying and assessing these high-level assets, decision-making could be more effective, also the process of prioritizing the resource allocation would end up with more logic.

In the next 5 years, as Nyhavna will experience substantive changes, we believe that we should raise awareness about sea level rise among residents while developing a preparedness plan for possible hazards. Collaboration between the research sector and city development authority is suggested to explore natural solutions and integrate the region’s natural heritage. In addition, adaptation of buildings, backup energy sources, and medium-term plans for a scientists’ group called the “Nyhavna Urban Living Lab” are proposed. In this research, we also proposed long-term strategies which include community development, a blue-green infrastructure for sustainable development, and fostering collaboration among city planners, residents, and stakeholders to address future flood risks effectively.

In our report, we mentioned two theories of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and community resiliency to highlight the fact that a socially resilient society is one in which local communities and external actors learn from unexpected changes and transform towards enhancing resiliency at all levels of socio-ecological governance in time. Thus, being flexible and incremental is the key for the success of this process. In this incrementally contingency plan, we outlined the short-, medium-, and long-term strategies for reducing the risk of urban floods in the study area. We emphasized that in order to establish a resilient future, stakeholders must be analyzed and involved.