Learning and Action Alliances to build capacity for flood resilience

Flood risks are increasing and available funding is reducing, posing professionals with the need to change practices. ‘Active learning’ can help to develop the capacity to accept different perspectives on risk and performance and to use alternative innovatory responses. Breaking the entrapment of traditional approaches requires cultural change in the organisations and the individuals involved. L earning A lliances can help to do this. In Y orkshire ( E ngland), a common forum for learning and action in relation to flood and water management has evolved into L earning and A ction A lliances ( LAAs ). These alliances, which are essential components of three E uropean U nion INTERREG IVB projects, have national, regional and local dimensions. Internationally, these and partner LAAs , are being utilised to engender transnational learning. Experience from the establishment and operation of these LAAs is presented and it is concluded that there is no single blueprint for an ideal LAA . Nor is their establishment and operation straightforward.