Ecosystem Approach as Sustainability Framework for Hydropower Development in Asia-Pacific
(Room Jupiter 8)
02 Sep 15
11:00 AM
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12:30 PM
Ecosystem analysis at the landscape/watershed (river basin) level should be implemented as an integrated approach for land and water resources planning and management. The ecosystem-based approach provides a way to integrate ecological, socio-cultural, and economic dimensions for sustainability management. For an integrated environmental and social management framework, ecosystem analysis and management should be incorporated as best practice for multi-criteria development planning and investment decisions.
Ecosystem-based approach can be used for strategic environmental review or frontend planning and design (siting and routing) in hydropower facility development. Ecosystem management practices should be incorporated into the cumulative impact analysis and management as part of the environmental and social impact assessment and risk management. Evidence-based planning and decision support would be accomplished through bridging science, policy, and business.
Participatory, integrated watershed management incorporating the human-environment interactions should be used for planning sustainable river development for hydropower. Implement ecosystem approach and enable adaptive management as best practices for sustainability assessment framework and decision-making under uncertainty. International Hydropower Association’s Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol can incorporate ecosystem-based watershed analysis and management in their promotion of sustainable hydropower projects. Ecosystem approach can be used to meet corporate social responsibility and sustainable environmental management standards.
Ecosystem analysis and management at the landscape/ watershed level is in its early stage in the Asia-Pacific region. Nevertheless, ecosystem-based approach is being promoted as a sustainability framework by the UN Environment Programme, World Bank Group’s Global Environment Facility, Asian Development Bank and other financial institutions.
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