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University of Canterbury

Christchurch, New Zealand

Grants

2012 (3 years)
$260,000

The University of Canterbury will quantify the potential impact of hydropower development, agro-industrial expansion, and climate change on riverine ecosystems, forests, and ecosystem services in the Sekong sub-basin and the Srepok-Sesan sub-basin (often referred to as the 3S River Basins). UC will also evaluate the viability of alternative development scenarios and dam and agro-industry operation strategies as a means to sustain critical ecosystems services provided by the 3S basin. The 3S Rivers provide an important contribution of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem services, especially with regards to fish habitats (rapids, deep pools and sand bars) and migration routes. Approximately 20 percent of annual water flows to the Mekong mainstream and over 30 percent of suspended sediment loads are contributed by the 3S Rivers. Changes to this system are currently driven by hydropower development and agro-industrial expansion.