Department Surface Waters - Research and Management
Sustainable Hydropower in Andean River Ecosystems
The impacts of hydropower development on tropical river ecosystems are poorly understood and this is especially true for the tropical Andes of South America, a hotspot for dam construction.
This project forms a collaboration between Eawag and Colombian aquatic scientists and environmental regulatory agencies in order to explore the link between dams, water quality and the functioning of tropical aquatic ecosystems with the ultimate goal of improving monitoring, design and management of hydropower.
We analyze data sets from environmental impact statements and water quality monitoring programs associated with hydropower infrastructure to systematically test for chemical and ecological changes to Andean Rivers associated with hydropower in Colombia.
Publications
Collaboration
- Luz Fernanda Jimenez Segura, Universidad de Medellin
- Silvia Lopez Casas & Juliana Delgado, The Nature Conservancy Colombia
- Silvia Vanegas Pinzón, Autoridad Nacional de Licencias Ambientales de Colombia