How hydropower operations can accommodate local livelihoods? Third Mekong Forum on Water Food and Energy 19-21 November 2013 - Hanoi, 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 PDR Kam 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 Basin Reis J, Culver T, Lacombe G, Hoanh CT, Keophoxay A, Douangsavanh S, Teoh SJ, Kam SP, Sellamuttu SS
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How hydropower operations can accommodate local livelihoods
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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