3. Areas sensitive to cumulative impacts

There is significant potential for cumulative impacts to occur where HEP developments are clustered within a catchment

Aim: to identify areas sensitive to future HEP developments

There is significant potential for cumulative impacts to occur where HEP developments are clustered within a catchment. Our research is identifying the potential areas where ecological impacts of HEP (both large and small scale) are likely to be the greatest.

Outputs from recent HEP resource studies (Forrest 2008, 2012) are being used to explore impacts and resource issues relating to the development of new hydro schemes. Spatial analysis is being used to assess areas where cumulative impacts, ecological sensitivity and trade-offs with other ecosystem services are likely to occur.

To find out more about this work contact Susan Cooksley [1]