Mitigation of flood risk through landscape planning. Case: Arroyo del Gato. Greater la Plata (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Abstract

This paper discusses the role played by fluvial landscape planning in the mitigation of water risk, through the analysis of a project developed for the Arroyo del Gato Stream Basin, within the framework of the urban conglomerate known as Greater La Plata. At the global level, flood risk mitigation strategies have incorporated a landscape point of view by progressively leaving behind the approach based solely on defensive works, thus opening the door to preventive actions that consider the dynamics of the natural environment and promote an awareness of water systems. In the case analyzed, hydraulic engineering works are still given priority, and there is little acknowledgement of the ecological and landscape value associated with the watercourse. As the Arroyo del Gato Stream Basin has the highest population density in the region and is one of the basins most affected by high levels of water risk, landscape planning can contribute to risk mitigation strategies. Specifically, qualitative research was carried out that substituted and systematized risk mitigation strategies associated with the landscape in a project developed for the Arroyo del Gato Stream Basin. The study also evaluated applying the project at the metropolitan level. The development of a strategy of public spaces with varying functions according to the different basin sectors shows that it is possible to associate landscape planning and risk mitigation -- an innovative approach in a region where there is neither appreciation of the fluvial landscape nor comprehensive risk management.