The World Wildlife Fund’s Freshwater Programme is a project known for conserving freshwater habitats. It improves water access, efficiency and provision for people and the environment. It also helps reduce the water footprint of many businesses.
One of the key areas WWF’s Freshwater Programme focuses on is working to secure environmental water flows for both people and nature. They conduct environmental flow assessments, and promote sustainable dams.
As we all know, hydroelectric dams are a timeless renewable source of energy. These non-polluting, clean and domestic power supplies are located on rivers. Although hydroelectric dams may sound very future and environmental friendly, they have a negative effect on wildlife and the natural flow of water.
One of the key areas WWF’s Freshwater Programme focuses on is working to secure environmental water flows for both people and nature. They conduct environmental flow assessments, and promote sustainable dams.
As we all know, hydroelectric dams are a timeless renewable source of energy. These non-polluting, clean and domestic power supplies are located on rivers. Although hydroelectric dams may sound very future and environmental friendly, they have a negative effect on wildlife and the natural flow of water.
Peaking is the power to stop and start the water from running though the dam’s turbines. This reverses the natural seasonal water flow to high currents in the summer and winter because of higher power demands. Unexpected water flows can negatively impact the plants and animals of the ecosystem.
World Wildlife Fund is promoting sustainable dams to minimize the sudden changes in current and provide environmental flows. With these sustainable dams, the reproduction of fish will go back to normal and also its population. Bears and other animals will gain back their food. Plants and shelters won’t be bothered. Everything will go back to its natural self while we can still gain energy from it.
Sources:
World Wildlife Fund "Freshwater Programme"
Sustainable Dams "Environmental Flows"
Steam Biology and Ecology "The Ecology of Dams"
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