CAPaBLE Programme Final Report Project Reference Number: CBA2015-06NSY-Silva Escalating Small Hydropower Development and Aquatic Biodiversity of Mountain Streams in Sri Lanka Water Resources Science & Technology, Sri Lanka,
[email protected] 0 Project Reference Number: CBA2015-06NSY-Silva “Escalating Small Hydropower Development and Aquatic Biodiversity of Mountain Streams in Sri Lanka” Final Report submitted to APN ©Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research 1 OVERVIEW OF PROJECT WORK AND OUTCOMES Preliminary studies revealed that negative impacts of poorly designed small hydropower plants are very diverse; primarily effect on aquatic biota in terms of population decline and eventual species extinction including fish species endemic to Sri Lanka (Silva & Davies, 1986; Silva, 1993; Silva et al., 2013; 2014; 2015). At present, in Sri Lanka, about 600 stream sites have been identified as potential sites and about 150 plants have already been in operation in various river basins. Further, 1-2 km stream stretch had been notably affected at each small hydropower plant. In most cases, the developers do not maintain ecological flows, which is a requirement according to the Environmental Act of Sri Lanka. The negligence of the developers and poor understanding of the relevant authorities have led a devastating damage to the mountain stream ecosystems in terms of aquatic biodiversity and goods and services provided to the riparian communities. Therefore, Water Resources Science and Technology (WRST), a non-profit making company registered under guaranteed sought financial assistance from Asia-Pacific Network for Climate Change Research (APN)under CAPaBLE programme to carry out project with a view to build up the awareness of different categories of stakeholders in small hydropower generation sector, namely, small hydropower developers, consultants to developers, environmental officers, and relevant policy makers on the importance of correct design and operation of environmentally sustainable small hydropower plants.