What is
a GE-RM?

GE-RM stands for “River Development and Risk Management Concept.” It’s objective is to enhance the coordination of measures within a river basin or along extended sections of water bodies.

Ein Luftbild der mäandrierenden Donau in der Nähe der Insel Wörth.

What is a GE-RM?

GE-RM stands for “Water Development and Risk Management Concept.” It’s objective is to enhance the coordination of measures within a river basin or along extended sections of water bodies.

GE-RM DONAU | GE-RM ENNS-SALZBURG | GE-RM ENNS-STEIERMARK | GE-RM ISEL-DRAU | GE-RM LAFNITZ | GE-RM LEITHA | GE-RM PIELACH | GE-RM TRAUN

The Planning Process

The GE-RM is based on the goals, priorities, and measures of the Flood Risk Management Plan (RMP) and the National Water Resources Management Plan (NGP).

Spatial planning, building regulations, disaster management, nature conservation, and relevant specialized departments and authorities are considered and involved in the planning process.

If necessary, additional users and affected individuals within the river basin are also involved in the planning process.

Schaubild mit den drei Phasen des GE-RM Prozesses. Phase 1:Vorüberlegungen, Phase 2: Datenerhebung und Analyse, Phase 3: Maßnahmenkonzept

The Water Development and Risk Management Concept (GE-RM) comprises the following steps:

1. Preliminary considerations

In the course of the preliminary considerations, focal points for the GE-RM are defined and a project structure is created

2. Data collection and -analysis

Missing data is collected and deficits are identified

3. Concept of measures

Finally, a concept of measures is drawn up and a river development corridor is identified

Revision of the guidelines within the framework of LIFE IRIS

In the first phase of LIFE IRIS, work was carried out on the preliminary version of the GE-RM guidelines. The main goal of the project was to adapt the guidelines to planning practice. After intensive coordination processes between all project partners, the updated version of the GE-RM guidelines was published in 2024. In particular, the following adjustments were made:

Guidelines “Gewässerentwicklungs- und Risikomanagementkonzepte” (GE-RM) (German)

Extended databases:

Updating and complementing the baseline data sets and their sources to improve the decision-making process.

Specification of the end products:

Detailed structure and description of the end products of a GE-RM to standardise the planning processes.

Public participation:

Specification of the involvement of the population and relevant interest groups in order to increase acceptance and the chances of implementation.

River corridor:

Mandatory designation of a development corridor for the river in order to identify the space that the river needs for sustainable and flood-sensitive development.

Detailed action plans:

More precise and comprehensive description of measures to ensure a holistic approach.

When is a GE-RM created?

A GE-RM is primarily developed for water bodies or river basins where there is a need for action regarding flood risk management and water ecological development. In addition to the hazard situation, factors such as the ecological state of the water bodies and framework conditions like land use, designations, rights, etc., are also taken into account. Based on assessments and evaluations, interdisciplinary goals and measures are determined. These form the basis for subsequent general projects, detailed planning, and ultimately, the implementation of specific measures.

Download: Brochure Flüsse gemeinsam gestalten (German)