Enhancing Sustainable Flood Risk Management Through a Novel Fuzzy Multi-Stakeholder Framework

Sustainable Flood Risk Management (SFRM) is a complex process involving multiple stakeholders with varying priorities and perspectives. To manage this process effectively, it is beneficial to use multi-criteria decision-making methods capable of handling uncertainty. This study introduces a novel multi-stakeholder framework using fuzzy logic to map stakeholders and assess their attitudes toward SFRM goals. For the first time, this framework integrates the Matrix of Alliances, Conflicts, Tactics, Objectives, and Recommendations (MACTOR) method with Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets (IFS) and applies it to SFRM in Turkey, providing a robust tool for understanding stakeholder influence. Unlike previous research, this study conducts a broader stakeholder analysis by including Government Institutions (GI), the Turkish State Meteorological Service (TSMS), the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (GDSHW), the General Directorate of Water Management (GDWM), the General Directorate of Forestry (GDF), Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (DEMP), Municipalities and Local Administrations (MLA), Private Sector (PS), Citizens (C), Universities (U), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), and International Organisations and Charities (IOC). A correspondence map is created to illustrate the relationships between stakeholders and goals. The findings reveal that environmental sustainability is prioritized by GI, TSMS, and GDF; social sustainability by U, NGO, and IOC; economic sustainability by GI and GDWM; and climate change adaptation by GI and TSMS. This study not only offers valuable insights for decision-making and policy development in Turkey but also presents a globally applicable framework for enhancing SFRM.