The 10^th International Symposium on Flash Floods in Wadi Systems (ISFF-2027)

March 29-31, 2027, Kyoto-Japan

Main Theme: Wadi Ecosystems and Environmental Connectivity

1. Introduction

Since its inception in 2015, the International Symposium on Flash Floods (ISFF) has evolved into a globally recognized platform for advancing research, innovation, and collaboration in flash flood risk management. The first symposium, held in Wadi (October 2015), laid the foundation for a dynamic international network of researchers, engineers, and practitioners dedicated to understanding and mitigating flash flood hazards. Over the past decade, ISFF has expanded across diverse geographical and climatic contexts, reflecting the global nature of flash flood challenges. From El-Gouna, Egypt (2016) and GUtech, Oman (2017), to Casablanca, Morocco (2018), the symposium strengthened its scientific and regional engagement. Returning to Kyoto, Japan, in 2020 marked a significant milestone, reinforcing the role of advanced research institutions in shaping innovative solutions. Despite global challenges, ISFF continued to grow, with subsequent editions in Amman, Jordan (2021), Tlemcen, Algeria (2023), Al-Ain, UAE (2024), and Muscat, Oman (2025). Each event contributed to building a robust interdisciplinary community, integrating hydrology, climate science, engineering, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital twins.

The 10th ISFF, to be held in Kyoto, Japan (March 2027), represents a landmark return to its academic roots at Kyoto University’s Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI). This edition celebrates a decade of progress while setting a forward-looking agenda focused on AI-driven flood forecasting, real-time monitoring, climate resilience, and sustainable risk governance. Bringing together global experts, policymakers, and young researchers, ISFF 2027 aims to strengthen international collaboration and accelerate the transition from research to real-world impact. As flash flood risks intensify under climate change, the symposium reaffirms its mission: to advance science, foster innovation, and support communities worldwide in building resilience against one of the most destructive natural hazards.

2. Scope

The ecological health of these Wadi systems relies on a delicate balance of surface flows, subsurface pathways, groundwater recharge, sediment movement, and coastal interactions.

The 10th International Symposium on Flash Floods (ISFF) will bring together global experts to explore how we can understand the hydrological and ecological connectivity in Wadi environments from upstream headwaters to downstream coastal zones.

3. Key dates

4. Why Wadi Ecosystems and Environmental Connectivity?

Flash floods are not only hydrological events, but they are also deeply interconnected with the structure, function, and health of wadi ecosystems. Wadis, as ephemeral river systems dominant in arid and semi-arid regions, play a critical role in linking hydrology, geomorphology, ecology, and human systems. However, traditional flash flood studies have often focused primarily on hydraulic processes, overlooking these vital environmental connections.

The selection of “Wadi Ecosystems and Environmental Connectivity” as the central theme of the 10th ISFF reflects a necessary shift toward integrated and system-based understanding. Flash floods in wadis influence sediment transport, groundwater recharge, vegetation dynamics, and habitat connectivity. At the same time, changes in land use, urbanization, and climate variability disrupt these natural linkages, often amplifying flood risks and ecological degradation.

This theme emphasizes the importance of:

• Hydro-ecological connectivity: understanding how water flow links surface water, groundwater, and ecosystems
• Sediment and nutrient pathways: capturing the role of floods in shaping landscapes and sustaining biodiversity
• Ecosystem-based risk reduction: leveraging natural systems (e.g., vegetation, floodplains) to mitigate hazards
• Human–environment interactions: addressing how infrastructure, urban expansion, and policy decisions alter wadi behavior

In the context of accelerating climate change, extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent and intense, particularly in dryland regions. This increases the urgency to move beyond isolated flood modeling toward holistic frameworks that integrate environmental processes, ecological resilience, and advanced technologies such as AI and Digital Twins. By focusing on environmental connectivity, ISFF 2027 aims to bridge disciplines, enabling a new generation of solutions that are not only technically robust but also environmentally sustainable and socially adaptive. This approach aligns with global priorities in climate resilience, nature-based solutions, and sustainable water resource management. Ultimately, this theme reflects a core message:

Understanding and restoring connectivity within wadi systems is essential for reducing flash flood risks and ensuring long-term resilience in vulnerable regions.

5. Themes

6. Conference Venue

Kyoto University, Uji Campus, Kihada Hall

Water Resources Research Center Disaster Prevention Research Institute Kyoto University

Goka-sho, Uji 601-0011, Japan

7. Organizing Committee

Prof. Sameh Ahmed Kantoush

A/Prof. Mohamed Saber

A/Prof. Sohei Kobayashi

8. Scientific Committee

9. Abstract Submission

http://ecohyd.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/index/ISFF10.html