Institutions are the set of informal and formal rules that facilitate and constrain human behavior, or defi ne `the rules of the game’ (Bromley 1989; CiriacyWantrup 1971; Kiser and Ostrom 1982; North 1990). By its very nature, flood risk management is multi-institutional. A range of institutions have important roles to play, including local, regional and national governments, community groups, utilities, and private businesses – and not forgetting banks and the insurance sector. Developing effective institutions is vital to overcoming the real challenges of managing flood risk, which are illustrated in Box 6.1.
Box 6.1 Challenges for urban flood risk management Information –
Lack of risk awareness or perception
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Difficulties in responding to the uncertainties of climate risk predictions
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Difficulties in responding to the uncertainties of urban growth and planning and managing informal development.
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Lack of understanding of integrated flood risk management responses Ownership
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Understanding where responsibility lies
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Taking responsibility and overcoming the “not in my term of office” syndrome, in which difficult decisions and initiatives are deferred to a later political office holder
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Weak municipal capacity and performance
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Lack of engagement of the private sector
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Lack of public engagement and consultation Resources
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Underfunding or under-resourcing
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Lack of oversight and enforcement of land use regulations
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Lack of supporting infrastructure
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Shortage of skilled personnel
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Inappropriate infrastructure maintenance systems
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