The project was headed by the State Office of Water Management Munich (Wasserwirtschaftsamt) and includes representatives from the Department of Public Construction (Baureferat), the Department of Urban Planning and Building Regulation (Referat für Stadtplanung und Bauordnung) and the Department of Health and Environment (Referat für Gesundheit und Umwelt). It also partnered with “Isar-Allianz” (an alliance of NGOs). Public participation was ensured through multiple mediums to encourage awareness and participation. Participation was especially encouraged during the landscape design competition for the 1.6 Km urban stretch, which allowed a voice given to the population for the design of the area as well as raising awareness of the issues of renaturalisation and flood protection.
Diverse mediums were used to engage stakeholders, such as an internet platform, info-brochures, excursions, workshops, TV and press, round tables, info-points, and a service telephone.
The level of cooperation achieved between all stakeholders involved within the Isar-Plan was excellent and one key success factor for the project. Indeed, stakeholder dialogue and involvement was challenging at times with controversial discussions, and a public quarrel involving strong campaigns. Conflict came about after two nearly opposing designs were awarded 1st and 2nd prize. The main issues in this case is the fact that there are constraints within a crowded urban sector in terms of what is necessary for flood control. A full EbA Solution, i.e. total renaturalisation, was unlikely to afford enough flood protection in this particular 1.6Km compared to the rest of the 8km. This was taken into account by the 1st design, whereas the 2nd promoted more naturalization. The public was split in two behind the two schemes. A clever compromise between the two designs was reached, showing how good mediation and cooperation is necessary.