Floods and Livelihoods: A Multi-dimensional Comparative Study of Territorial Space Planning Policies for Flood Detention Areas in China

Abstract

Spatial planning integrates policies to enhance people’s well-being globally, yet its effectiveness is constrained in China’s flood detention areas (FDAs) balancing flood control and development. Vertically, policy priorities, synergies, and coherence deviate across planning levels. Horizontally, jurisdictional overlaps exist with other management systems. This study employs a comparative approach in China’s Huaihe River Basin, analyzing territorial spatial plans across provincial, municipal, and county levels covering nine key FDAs, alongside multi-tiered construction management policies. In-depth fieldwork including resident interviews was conducted in one area. We scrutinize interactions between flood management and spatial planning systems, revealing policy framework characteristics and goal orientation similarities/differences. The research provides insights for optimizing spatial planning and improving well-being in these critical zones.