Harmonizing Hydropower Exploitation and Conservation of Riverine Ecosystems/Freshwater Fish Habitats: Best-Practice Examples and Lessons Learned from Europe

Water resources, natural heritage and renewable energy are some of the essential (economic) factors, which have to be managed in an integrated way to safeguard riverine ecosystems and sustainable development in Europe and particularly in the European Alps. Hydropower is considered as renewable and environmentally friendly energy source, but is also associated with severe degradation of riverine ecosystems and especially freshwater fish habitats. Consequently, the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RES-D) is in conflict with the Water Framework (WF-D) and Habitats Directive (FFH-D).

It is therefore crucial to better understand the linkages between water management, hydropower exploitation and aquatic ecology in European running waters, in order to strengthen common management approaches within and across national boundaries, to optimize yield and minimize impact to the riverine ecosystem and related services. However, tools and decision-frameworks for resolving these conflicts are widely missing. Therefore, this contribution aims to introduce best-practice examples for multi-stressor analysis (including impacts caused by hydropower production) and for the conservation of aquatic ecosystems, especially freshwater fish habitats across Europe. These best-practice examples should support future strategic planning of Europe’s river systems with new, potential governance tools and widely applicable guidelines.