Adapting the SWOT matrix as a territorial planning tool for urban flood management

Urbanization significantly alters watershed runoff, increasing peak flows, reducing base flows, and degrading river ecosystems. Without adequate control measures, urbanization increases flood vulnerability, heightening flood risks and damaging urban infrastructure. Recent academic and technical perspectives emphasize the importance of efficient stormwater management, advocating for a systemic approach to address urban flooding risks. However, setting goals for stormwater management planning remains challenging due to its inherent complexity and multidisciplinary nature. This study introduces a novel framework, inspired by the SWOT analysis, designed to comprehensively evaluate urban flood potential and identify integrated flood control measures that combine natural and built environments demands. Applied to the development of the Maricá Stormwater Management Plan (Brazil), the framework proved feasible for structuring a diagnosis of current and future conditions and for deriving 60 specific objectives, consolidated into six general objectives. Because it relies on information commonly available to municipalities, the framework has potential for adaptation to other contexts, although its effectiveness in reducing flood risk depends on the implementation of the proposed actions and remains to be evaluated.