Bringing behavioural insights into flood risk management: the DROP project workshop in Gessate

The two-day event focused on the use of nudging approaches for flood risk management, combining behavioural economics and participatory design methods. Participants explored how small changes in decision-making environments can support more resilient choices and contribute to climate adaptation and flood risk reduction.

The activities were organised around three key phases. First, participants worked on defining local challenges and identifying relevant target behaviours. They then co-created and refined possible nudge ideas, before translating them into actionable and locally relevant solutions.

By moving from theory to practice, the workshop offered an opportunity to test how behavioural insights can be applied in concrete territorial contexts, supporting communities and institutions in the development of practical responses to climate-related risks.

The DROP project will continue to explore innovative ways to strengthen climate resilience and improve flood risk management through participatory and behaviour-informed approaches.

Eurac Research thanks all participants and partners for contributing their knowledge, ideas and creativity to the co-design process. Special thanks go to Politecnico di Milano, Consorzio Poliedra, Universität Potsdam, local facilitator Milena Prada and Fondazione Cariplo for their support. The workshop was facilitated by Eurac Research colleagues Luca Cetara and Giada De Angelis and brought together local partners and stakeholders from the municipalities of Bellinzago Lombardo, Cambiago, Gessate and Masate.

Discover more about the DROP project below.