2016年-世界发展银行全球_Managing_Environmental_and_Social_Impacts_of_Hydropower_in_Bhutan_142页_9mb

Summary of "Managing Environmental and Social Impacts of Hydropower in Bhutan"

Core Content

This report, prepared in collaboration between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the World Bank, evaluates the environmental and social impacts of hydropower development in Bhutan and provides recommendations for sustainable management. It outlines the current state of hydropower planning, identifies key issues related to environmental and social impacts, and proposes policy and institutional improvements to address these challenges.

Main Objectives

• To guide the management of environmental and social (E&S) impacts of hydropower projects in Bhutan.
• To assess the policy framework and institutional capacity needed to ensure sustainable hydropower development.
• To provide recommendations that align with international best practices and Bhutan’s national priorities.

Key Findings

• Bhutan is planning to develop nearly 12,600 MW of new hydropower capacity by the end of the next decade, making it one of the highest hydropower producers per capita globally.
• The main environmental impacts of hydropower development in Bhutan relate to aquatic biodiversity, which are cumulative and may increase significantly as more projects are developed.
• Social impacts, including land acquisition, livelihoods, and cultural assets, are often not fully assessed or managed, indicating gaps in the current E&S framework.
• The lack of institutional capacity, particularly in regulatory agencies and key stakeholders, leads to uncoordinated processes and weak implementation of EIA and EMP guidelines.
• The 10,000 MW Program includes projects under construction or in agreement with potential developers, and the full development includes all projects with at least prefeasibility or reconnaissance studies.

Main Issues for E&S Management

Environmental Impacts

• Aquatic Biodiversity: The most significant concern, with cumulative impacts expected to increase as more hydropower projects are developed.
• River Connectivity: Impacts on river connectivity are more rapid after the 10,000 MW Program is completed.
• Protected Areas: Hydropower and transmission line projects may affect protected areas and corridors, though the extent is relatively small due to Bhutan's steep valleys.
• Downstream Flows: Current EIA guidelines lack specific instructions on managing downstream flows.
• Mitigation Measures: There is a need for standardized and more effective mitigation measures to be included in EMPs.

Social Impacts

• Land Acquisition: Compensation rates have not been updated since 2009, and there is a lack of comprehensive social impact assessments.
• Vulnerable Groups: The impacts on vulnerable communities are not well addressed.
• Cultural Assets: Cultural landscapes and heritage are often not assessed or considered in EIA and EMP processes.
• Community Development: There is a need for stronger grievance redressal mechanisms and community development programs.

Recommendations

Policy Updates

• Strategic Roadmap: Develop a strategic roadmap for hydropower development through a consultative process, focusing on cumulative impacts and sustainable development.
• Sustainability Guidelines: Create comprehensive national sustainability guidelines for hydropower projects, addressing cumulative impacts, downstream flows, and environmental specifications.

Institutional Capacity Building

• Regulatory Capacity: Strengthen the National Environment Commission (NEC) by separating regulatory duties from research, introducing hydropower-specific staff, and enhancing social development expertise.
• DHPS Capacity: Improve the Department of Hydropower and Power Systems (DHPS) by enhancing its facilitation and preparation roles, and implementing a training program on sustainable hydropower development.
• Compliance Monitoring: Develop independent monitoring and audit mechanisms to ensure compliance with E&S guidelines.

Baseline Data Studies

• Aquatic Biodiversity Mapping: Create a georeferenced database of aquatic biodiversity, informed by existing assessments and supplemented by targeted campaigns.
• Cultural Mapping: Finalize the preliminary cultural map of Bhutan and conduct further data collection using various formats to better understand cultural impacts.

Coordination and Process Streamlining

• Cross-sectoral Committee: Form a cross-sectoral committee to improve coordination and streamline the E&S clearance process for new projects.
• Improved EIA/EMP Implementation: Address weaknesses in the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Environment Management Plans (EMPs).

Conclusion

Despite Bhutan's strong regulatory framework and awareness of E&S issues, challenges remain in the planning and implementation of hydropower projects. The lack of institutional capacity and coordination hampers the ability to effectively manage environmental and social impacts. Addressing these gaps through capacity building, improved guidelines, and enhanced data collection is essential for sustainable hydropower development and the preservation of Bhutan’s natural and cultural values.