Ecological integrity assessment of four rivers in Macedonia affected by derivation hydropower schemes based on aquatic macroinvertebrates

Study    |    7 December 2017

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Europe’s waters are affected by several pressures, including water pollution, water scarcity and floods, and by major modifications affecting morphology and water flow. Among the biggest current threats affecting the hydromorphological status of rivers are hydropower plants. Their benefits as a renewable source of electricity production is well known, but there is also a need to recognise that they can significantly affect the ecological functions of rivers and adjacent habitats in which they are located.

This study provides an ecological integrity assessment of four rivers in Macedonia affected by small hydropower plants which are perceived as low-impact but can have significant detrimental effects on river ecosystems. The selected plants are financed by international development banks such as the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).