1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION AND OBJECTIVES The projection regarding climate change presumes further rise in temperature and more frequent heavy rain events for the city of Minsk. Considering current and future challenges as well as further densification of the inner city, limited capacities of the sewerage system, and prevalence of the hard surfaces, the existing problem of urban flooding will be more acute. The necessity for the adaptation plan which guarantees not only efficient stormwater management but also implies added values is crucial for Minsk. Thus, the creation of a favorable microclimate, elaboration of vibrant and diverse public spaces are essential components of a city where people would like to live. Besides, it is an attractive environment for new investments and economic development. In this way, the research question arises as stated below: How to mitigate the flooding risk while enhancing the ecological, social, economic, and aesthetic values of the urban environment in Minsk, Belarus?
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Supplementary, the following sub-questions arose: • Which measures can contribute to the flooding risk mitigation and bring added values? • What is the legislative framework for the implementation of these measures and how can it be improved? • How to manage stakeholders in order to ensure the implementation of these measures? • What scenario can be applied to mitigate flooding in Minsk? Lastly, the next objectives of the master thesis research can be distinguished: • Compilation of a toolbox with WSUD measures for the flooding risk mitigation based on the best practice examples; • Drafting improvement proposals for the legislative framework; • Elaboration of stakeholders management and engagement recommendations; • Development of the transformation program/ scenario and prototypes for the study area based on the toolbox including evaluation of its relevance.