Integrating Freshwater Ecosystem Function and Services with Water Development Projects

This paper describes the conditions necessary to harmonize project objectives with the conservation of freshwater ecosystems. It also provides information on how to incorporate freshwater ecosystem biodiversity, function, and services with water development projects. One sections of the papers presents a description of biodiversity in the context of freshwater ecosystems, including a short description of those ecosystems. Subsequent parts of the paper describe the recommended approach to harmonize water development projects and the freshwater ecosystem function, as well as the role of the Environmental Impact Assessments in this process, and potential impacts of different categories of water related projects.