From 2015-2018, a national E-Flow Guideline was developed to determine appropriate and sustainable environmental flows for hydropower development within the Kingdom. Among a consortium of Austrian, German and Swiss experts led by Dr. Klaus Jorde, E.C.O. Institute of Ecology was responsible for the socio-economic and socio-cultural assessment methodology of E-Flows.

Through the course of a follow-up project (“Consultancy Work for Study on Minimum Environmental Flows for Hydropower Projects in Bhutan Phase II”), the consortium now additionally includes Carinthia University of Applied Sciences and University of Stuttgart.

The consortium was commissioned to review and amend the original guideline and to ensure the integration of the methodologies, technologies and approaches for E-Flow Assessment into academic teaching in Bhutan. This shall allow for building national capacities in the long run to carry out future E-Flow assessments.
Together with national and academic partners, specific E-Flow modules and corresponding teaching materials will be developed. A pilot test of implementation will be conducted in fall 2021.

Associated personnel: Michael Huber, E.C.O. Institute of Ecology
Clients: National Environment Commission of the Royal Government of Bhutan; Regions of Bhutan