Flood Barrier Innovation: SLAMDAM Wins KIWW 2021

SLAMDAM, a water-filled flood barrier developed by WaveSave, was recognised at the World Water Challenge 2021 during Korea International Water Week (KIWW). The solution received an “Outstanding” award, highlighting its practical value in flood protection and climate resilience worldwide.

This recognition places SLAMDAM among a select group of globally evaluated water solutions. Experts assessed each finalist on feasibility, impact, and real-world applicability.

Global recognition for flood barrier technology

The World Water Challenge is an international platform organised by the Korea Water Forum and the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea. It focuses on identifying practical and scalable solutions to global water challenges.

In 2021, the programme received 73 solutions from 32 countries, of which only nine reached the final round.

SLAMDAM stood out in the category of flood prevention and water management, where it was recognised as an effective and deployable flood barrier.

  • Award
  • Omar Saleh
  • 01 November 2021
  • Reading time: 3 min
World Water Challenge 2021 banner featuring a water drop design, Flood Barrier theme, logos of the Ministry of Environment and Korea Water Forum, and the word "Outstanding" in bold.

Why SLAMDAM was recognised as a flood barrier solution

Flood risks continue to increase due to extreme weather events, urbanisation, and changing water systems. As a result, authorities and organisations require solutions that are:

  • Quick to deploy
  • Scalable across different terrains
  • Reliable under real flood conditions

 

SLAMDAM meets these requirements through a simple but effective concept. It uses locally available water to create a temporary flood barrier, eliminating the need for heavy materials or complex logistics.

This approach makes it suitable for:

  • Emergency flood response
  • Temporary flood protection
  • Controlled water storage
  • River and canal management

 

Because of this practical application, the solution aligns closely with the evaluation criteria of the World Water Challenge, which prioritises feasibility and impact.

A large wave splashes against a black flood barrier marked "ISLAND," with windmills and tall grass visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

Supporting flood protection and water resilience

Unlike traditional flood defences, SLAMDAM does not rely on permanent infrastructure. Instead, it offers flexibility. Authorities can deploy it where and when needed, and remove it after use.

This flexibility supports:

  • Flood protection in vulnerable areas
  • Water storage for agriculture or drought mitigation
  • Rapid response in disaster scenarios

 

At the same time, the system can integrate with broader water management strategies, including data-driven approaches such as hydrodynamic modelling.

From innovation to real-world application

The World Water Challenge focuses on solutions that can be applied in real-world conditions. This is where SLAMDAM distinguishes itself.

It is not a conceptual design. Instead, it is already used and tested in multiple environments, including:

  • Riverbanks
  • Agricultural areas
  • Coastal zones

 

As a result, the award confirms not only innovation, but also practical usability in the field.

What this means for partners and stakeholders

For governments, NGOs, and infrastructure partners, this recognition provides an important signal. It shows that SLAMDAM:

  • Has been independently evaluated by international experts
  • Meets global standards for water solutions
  • Offers a reliable option for flood resilience

 

In addition, it opens opportunities for collaboration, pilot projects, and large-scale deployment.

Looking ahead

Water challenges will continue to evolve. Flooding, in particular, will remain a critical issue for many regions.

WaveSave continues to develop and deploy solutions that address these challenges in a practical and scalable way. The recognition at KIWW 2021 reinforces this mission.

World Water Challenge 2021 banner featuring a water drop design, Flood Barrier theme, logos of the Ministry of Environment and Korea Water Forum, and the word "Outstanding" in bold.

A black water-filled flood barrier labeled "SAMMYS" blocks and diverts waves along a shoreline as water splashes against it.

A large wave splashes against a black flood barrier marked "ISLAND," with windmills and tall grass visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

Large black flood barrier tube filled with water lines the shoreline, hoses attached, effectively separating water from sandy land; cars and people are visible in the background.

Quick answer

SLAMDAM is a water-filled flood barrier that received an “Outstanding” award at the World Water Challenge 2021. The competition evaluated global solutions based on feasibility, impact, and innovation. SLAMDAM was recognised for its practical use in flood protection and water management. It offers a flexible and scalable approach to flood resilience.

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