The IMF Objective

Our objective is to support countries in implementing Integrated Flood Management in order to maximize net benefits from floodplains and minimize loss of life from flooding.

The IFM Approach

There is a need for an approach to flood management that improves the functioning of the river basin as a whole, recognizing that floods have beneficial impacts and can never be fully controlled. Such an approach seeks to maximize the net benefits from the use of floodplains and to minimize loss of  life, subordinating flood loss reduction to the overall goal of maximizing the efficient use of the floodplain.

Integrated Flood Management (IFM) is a process that promotes an integrated, rather than fragmented, approach to flood management. It integrates land and water resources development in a river basin, within the context of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), with a view to maximizing the efficient use of floodplains and to minimizing loss of life. The according Concept Paper describes the principles, objectives and aspects of Integrated Flood Management in detail.