Impact of dams on biodiversity in Central Asia: experts assess risks
Sourse: Public foundation “Rivers Without Borders”
Almaty, Kazakhstan – On September 4-5, 2023, Environmental Management Programme Manager (EMP) of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) Ludmila Kiktenko and EMP Assistant of the CAREC Aysha Mukhamedrakhim participated in the international expert seminar “Hydraulic Structures and Biodiversity: impact assessment and risk minimization” organized by the Public foundation “Rivers Without Borders”.
For two days, the seminar participants discussed methods for assessing the impact of hydraulic structures on natural complexes and their practical implementation.
Sourse: Public foundation “Rivers Without Borders”
It is worth noting that this seminar was the first step towards an independent assessment of the impact of large dams and small hydroelectric power plants construction projects in Central Asia on biodiversity. To date, there are more than 200 large dams and reservoirs in the region, the impact of which has led to fragmentation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, to changes in river flow, as well as to the penetration of alien species into the region.
Based on the results of the experts’ work, an interactive GIS model will be created to visually assess the extent of the impact of a planned dam on river ecosystems. The interactive GIS model will be ready early next year. Environmentalists hope that it will become popular not only for specialists, but will also be used by potential investors to select projects with the least impact on the environment.
Additional information:
Ludmila Kiktenko – Environmental Management Programme’s Manager, CAREC, lkiktenko@carececo.org
