Flood Risk Management Programme for Central Serbia

Serbia is one of the few European countries with very high-risk exposure to natural hazards, especially floods. Since the year 2000, Serbia has faced several significant extreme climate and weather episodes that have caused significant flood events that caused material and financial losses, as well as the losses of human lives. According to the IPA II Flood Recovery and Prevention Action 2014-2020, floods have become one of the dominant risks in Serbia. It is estimated that 158,460 people were at risk of flooding on the territory of the Republic of Serbia between 2009 and 2012 a total area of 474,652.85 hectares was affected, while 58,449 structures were directly under threat.

Adoption of the Floor Risk Management Plan (FRMP) for the Republic of Serbia is important for multiple reasons. The FRMP will set out appropriate objectives for the management of flood risk within the areas covered by the plan. The objectives will focus on reducing the adverse consequences of flooding for human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activities. Once prepared, it will strengthen the capacity of decision-makers and serve as a tool for the development of a sustainable long-term investment cycle related to the protection against harmful effects of water.

The overall objectives of the project include reduction of flood risks, improvement of legislative, strategic and investment framework in the area taking into consideration integrated water management principals and protection against harmful effects of waters. These objectives are in accordance with the operational objectives for flood protection listed in the Water management strategy for the Republic of Serbia until 2034.