Scientific Study Examines Impacts of Rapid Hydropower Expansion in Andean Amazon

By: 
Matt Finer
Date: 
Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Proliferation of Hydroelectric Dams in the Andean Amazon and Implications for Andes-Amazon Connectivity

Hydroelectric Dams of the Andean Amazon
Hydroelectric Dams of the Andean Amazon
Matt Finer

A diminishing fraction of the world's rivers remains unaffected by humans, with dams being a leading cause of disruption. Nearly two-thirds of the world's large rivers are now fragmented by dams, leaving few major free-flowing river systems.

With a heavy concentration of dams in the northern third of the world the tropical areas of North, Central and South America are now a primary frontier for new dam construction. This is especially true in the Andean Amazon, where regional governments are prioritizing new hydroelectric dams as the centerpiece of long-term energy plans. There are plans for 151 new dams greater than 2 MW over the next 20 years, more than a 300% increase. However, the current planning for hydropower lacks adequate regional and basin-scale assessment of potential ecological impacts. This lack of strategic planning is particularly problematic given the intimate link between the Andes and Amazonian flood plain, together one of the most species rich zones on Earth.

The following study conducted by a team lef by scientist Matt Finer and released by the Center for International Environmental Law examines the potential ecological impacts, in terms of river connectivity and forest loss, of the planned proliferation of hydroelectric dams across all Andean tributaries of the Amazon River.

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