Course description

Hydropower projects inevitably impact ecosystems, sometimes far downstream, making responsible biodiversity management crucial for sustainable development. This online course provides an in-depth understanding of biodiversity management in hydropower in alignment with the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.

Participants will explore best practices for identifying, mitigating, and monitoring biodiversity impacts throughout the hydropower project lifecycle. The course features interactive content, real-world case studies, and practical methodologies to support effective
biodiversity management.

By completing this course, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to align hydropower projects with global sustainability standards, ensuring positive
biodiversity outcomes.

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Course features

  • Flexible Learning

    Engage with our content anytime, anywhere, to suit your busy schedule

  • Interactive Activities

    Participate in activities and discussions with trainers and fellow learners to deepen your understanding and apply knowledge effectively

  • Practical Tools and Resources

    Gain access to case studies, templates and guides that you can immediately implement in your projects


Understand biodiversity impacts

Learn how hydropower projects impact ecosystems, identify key biodiversity risks, and explore opportunities for conservation.


Integrate biodiversity in project design

Understand how to integrate biodiversity considerations into project design through environmental flows, fish passage solutions, and biodiversity action planning.


Implement management plans

Prepare and implement biodiversity management plans in alignment with international sustainability best practices.

Who should attend?

  • Project managers, sustainability teams, and engineers responsible for integrating biodiversity management into project design, construction, and operations

  • Experts conducting biodiversity assessments, developing mitigation plans, and ensuring compliance with international sustainability standards

  • Government agencies and regulators involved in environmental approvals, biodiversity conservation, and policy development

  • Civil society and NGOs advocating for biodiversity protection and responsible hydropower development

Course curriculum

    1. Hello from your trainers

    2. Course outline, objectives and structure

    3. How to navigate the platform

    1. Lesson 1: Important biodiversity concepts

    2. Activity 1: Biodiversity terms and definitions

    3. Lesson 2: Hydropower impacts on biodiversity

    4. Activity 2: Identify biodiversity impacts

    5. Lesson 3: Mitigation hierarchy

    6. Activity 3: IUCN Red List

    7. Quiz: Module 1 review

    1. Lesson 4: Introduction to the HS Standard

    2. Activity 4: HS Standard terms and definitions

    3. Lesson 5: Reporting templates

    4. Activity 5A: Scope and Principle statements

    5. Activity 5B: Becoming familiar with reporting templates

    6. Lesson 6: Scoring methodology

    7. Activity 6: Find the gap

    8. Lesson 7: Gap significance

    9. Activity 7: Judging gap significance

    10. Quiz: Module 2 review

    1. Lesson 8: Biodiversity activities in project life cycle

    2. Activity 8: Match biodiversity activity to the project stage

    3. Lesson 9: Biodiversity performance requirements

    4. Activity 9A: Minimum requirements

    5. Activity 9B: Advanced requirements

    6. Quiz: Module 3 review

    1. Lesson 10: Planning and assessment methodologies

    2. Activity 10: Applying planning and assessment methodologies

    3. Lesson 11: Integrating biodiversity into hydropower design

    4. Activity 11: Applying design methodologies

    5. Lesson 12: Managing implementation and operation

    6. Activity 12: Applying methodologies for implementation and operation

    7. Case studies: Best practice in biodiversity management

    8. Quiz: Module 4 review

    1. Final Quiz

    2. Congratulations and next steps

    3. Closing survey

About this course

  • €500,00
  • 12 lessons + 2 hours of video
  • 12 activities and quizzes
  • 20 hours of learning

Frequently asked questions

  • Is this course right for me?

    This course explores different elements of managing biodiversity impacts throughout the hydropower project lifecycle, focusing on assessment, design, and implementation. You will read relevant case studies and complete activities to understand how to achieve good and best international industry practice.

  • Am I right for this course?

    Yes! We encourage professionals with all levels of knowledge and experience to take the course.

  • Will I receive a certificate?

    Yes! Participants who successfully complete all lessons, activities and quizzes will receive a certificate of completion from the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance.

  • How much does this course cost?

    The cost of the training is €500 + VAT per participant. HSA and IHA members are eligible for a 10% discount.