Project main objective is to assess the impact of small hydroelectric power plants (HPP) on river ecosystems in Latvian-Lithuanian cross-border river basins.

ECOFLOW project will provide a scientific assessment of the impact of small HPP on aquatic ecosystems. As a result of the project, a methodology for determination of E-flow will be developed, proposals for amendments to national legislation, which would include the issuance and strategic planning of the use of water resources, as well as the list of vulnerable fish species in the Venta and Lielupe river basin districts.

Project kick-off

 On 25th of April 2017 first project ECOFLOW meeting was organized, where all three project partners – Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LEGMC), Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI) and Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR (BIOR) – met. Kick-off meeting was held in Riga, Latvia.

Lead partner informed all participants on general requirements of project implementation, including financial aspects, communication and reporting needs. All project experts discussed about main tasks in project, project work plan and time schedule.

Project training seminar

Experts from Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LEGMC), Lithuanian Energy Institute and Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR (BIOR) participated in a 3-week training seminar in Saldus from 3rd to 21th July. Under the leadership of Italian and Polish scientists, theoretical training on correct determination of ecological flow rate was held, as well as assessment of the impact of small hydroelectric power plants (HPP) on the ecological quality of waters. The workshop also included practical training in habitat mapping and recognition of river geomorphological units as well as in modeling of ecological flow rates. Training for practical activities took place in the rivers of Venta River basin – Imula, Ciecere, Šķēde and Ēda.

Project field works

Field works in project started on 25^th of July, 2017 in Latvia and on 31th of July in Lithuania; they ended on 27^th of September in Lithuania and on 29^th of September in Latvia. In Lithuania 2 rivers of Venta river basin district were surveyed – Venta and Bartuva, in Latvia 3 rivers were surveyed – Ciecere, Ēda and Vanka.

Sections of each river were chosen. Studies at these sections were carried out in relation to the hydrological regime: 3 times in low-water period at different water flow rates and once a year at an average water flow rate. Hydromorphological units of the river were mapped with longitudinal measurements and imported into special software. This procedure was determined for each river section.  The depth and the flow rate are measured in selected points of each unit. BIOR and LEI carried out field works on fish populations at selected river sections. All collected data will be processed and entered into the MesoHabsim model.

Project Management and Steering group meetings

On September 19^th project Management and Steering group meetings were held in Lithuania, Kaunas. Responsible persons from all three project partners (LEGMC, LEI and BIOR) attended these meetings. In Management group meeting all partners introduced their progress in first period and plans for future.  , Representative persons from  Latvian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Rural Development, Latvian Ministry of Agriculture, World Wildlife fund, Lithuanian Ministry of Environment, Lithuanian Environment agency and Lithuanian Hydrometeorological service participated in Steering group meeting. Project manager introduced progress of the project. All suggestions, remarks and questions from participants were discussed and some of them were accepted.

 

Project Lead Partner: Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.

Project partners: Lithuanian Energy Institute, Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR

The project is being implemented within the INTERREG V – A Latvia – Lithuania Cross Border Cooperation Program. Project duration is 2 years (01.04.2017 – 31.03.2019).

Total project funding is 391 245.20 EUR, including ERDF financing 85% (332 558.42 EUR).

 

This article has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this article are the sole responsibility of LEGMC and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.