How hydropower operations can accommodate local livelihoods?

Third Mekong Forum on Water Food and Energy19-21 November 2013 - Hanoi, Vietnam

Presenter: Guillaume Lacombe

Synthesis of results from two interlinked studies:

Evaluating Land and Water Resources available to communities living around reservoirs in the Mekong Basin: case of the Nam Gnouang reservoir in Lao PDRKam SP, Teoh SJ, Metzger L, Hoanh CT, Reis J, McCartney M, Lacombe G

Adjusting hydropower dam operation to complement livelihood strategies in the Lower Mekong BasinReis J, Culver T, Lacombe G, Hoanh CT, Keophoxay A, Douangsavanh S, Teoh SJ, Kam SP, Sellamuttu SS

• Livelihoods constrained by several factors:– Steep slopes, protected areas, travelling cost

• Altering dam operations to complement livelihoods is not realistic in the studied site

• Better to adapt to new hydrological reality that prioritizes generation of hydro-electricity– constructed wetlands for fisheries and irrigation

• Today’s livelihood sustained by lacustrine fisheries. And tomorrow ? Off-farm activities?

Key messages

Case of the Nam Gnouang storage reservoir

Nam Gnouang Dam

Keosaenkham

Typical cross section

Seasonal variations of flooded area:15 – 105 km2

1. How affected communities can best use land and water resources under new resettlement conditions ?

2. Can reservoir operation rules accommodate livelihood needs while preserving hydropower generation ?a) Recession agriculture on seasonally-exposed garden in

draw-down areas of reservoirb) Fish resources enhanced with constructed wetlands

Modeling, simulations and optimization to explore options

We use a Decision Support System (DSS) tool to answer the following questions:

Reservoir model (HEC-ResSim)To simulate & optimize dam operation (water level variations and hydropower

production)

Land use planning & analysis system (LUPAS)To explore cost-effective options of livelihood

activities based on available land and labor resources

GIS modellingTo evaluate accessibility to land resources supporting livelihoods

(spatial analysis and mapping support)

A suite of modeling and simulation tools

Examine the interaction between reservoir operation & livelihood opportunities

Lowering reservoir water level to allow dry season vegetable growing (eggplant, chili and green vegetable)A1 and A2 lower overall hydropower generation by 3% and 8%, respectively, allowing crop production in limited area. Agricultural gains result in significant loss of power production.

Constructed wetlands for fisheries and small-scale irrigationConnected or adjacent to reservoir. They would- provide benefit to fishermen (full ponds year-round), potentially enhancing fishing

livelihoods,- Provide water irrigation, even during dry years, for vegetable garden closest to village

HEC-ResSim

Exposure period1 Slope suitability2 Physical access3Seasonally-exposed land analysis

30% 20%50%

Weighted linear combination of factors

Water body

Least

Most suitable

Least

Most suitable

Overall suitability for recession agriculture

Water body

KSK

GIS modelling

(land-use planning and analysis system)

When fish available, shoreline farming has little effect on net gain,Expected fish decline (eutrophication): need for farm productions diversification,Pilot program (irrigated gardens) allows flexibility in livelihoods and increases net gain,Sharing resources is the most important factor for increasing the overall net gain.

LUPAS

• Uncertain future/expected fish decline & limited land and water resources→ need for diversification in off-farm activities,

• Important to consider replications of this study in areas with larger affected population

Conclusion