Farmers will work with Welsh authorities to help deliver nature-based flood management solutions across all major river catchments, it has been announced.
The £4.6m programme, announced by the Welsh government today, aims to reduce flood risk for around 2,000 properties using the power of nature.
The two-year Natural Flood Management Accelerator Programme will spur on authorities to work with Welsh farmers and landowners on nature-based solutions that reduce flood risk.
The programme, which will fund 23 projects across eight different authorities, is expected to reduce flood risk for around 2,000 properties.
Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths said that with the support of farmers, the rural economy and natural environment could be developed in a sustainable way.
"This will further enhance our knowledge and experience in delivering co-ordinated collaborative projects within known flood prone areas," she said.
"Through continued delivery and knowledge gained from schemes like this, we are also reducing instances of pollution, reducing surface water runoff and encouraging new methods to adapting to a changing climate.
"We all recognise the need to be more collaborative in our thinking whilst exploring and encouraging new ways of working that will deliver at pace and scale.
"This investment will allow Risk Management Authorities and local communities to lead on projects and reduce the risk of flooding within their area."
It comes after the NFU yesterday urged the UK government to 'match its talk' about the importance of UK food security with action on water management.
As more heavy rain is forecast this week and river levels still to peak in some areas, the union said a comprehensive water management strategy was urgently needed.
