Agricultural Land and Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction for Flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Laura Biassio, Environmental Studies
Flooding is becoming more frequent and destructive worldwide due to climate change, with especially severe impacts in regions with limited planning capacity. In southern Brazil's Taquari River Valley in Rio Grande do Sul, catastrophic floods in 2024 exposed how land-use decisions shape vulnerability and recovery in the face of disasters. Although agriculture occupies much of the flood-prone landscape between municipalities, current risk management frameworks offer limited guidance on how agricultural practices can support flood resilience rather than exacerbate risk. This project asks: How can agricultural land in the Taquari River Valley be integrated into land-use planning to improve ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction? Conducted as part of my Environmental Studies capstone and internship with Plural Land Use Planning Consulting, the research examines agricultural landscapes in relation to the region's original ecosystems and their potential to function as nature-based solutions that slow runoff, store water, and reduce flood impacts. Using geographic information systems (GIS), the project integrates flood-risk maps, land-use data, topography, and riparian vegetation conditions to identify areas where agricultural practices intersect with flood hazards. Spatial overlays and multi-criteria analysis are used to highlight priority zones for agroecological interventions, including riparian restoration and flood-resilient farming practices. Preliminary findings suggest that agricultural land plays a critical but underutilized role in flood mitigation, especially when agricultural practices are aligned with the environmental services traditionally provided by native vegetation. The project offers practical tools for local governments in the region and presents a replicable approach for other flood-prone areas facing similar climate challenges.