Two weeks later Project experts from 3 institutions – Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Latvian Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR and Lithuanian Energy Institute will participate in 3-weeks long training seminar, which will held in Saldus, Latvia. During training scientists from Italy and Poland will explain and teach how to assess habitat degradation in rivers regulated by HPP, and what measurements should be carried out for ecological flow (E-flow) evaluation.

Estimation and further implementation of ecological in small hydropower plant (HPP) operations, is highly important for decreasing of HPP impact on environment, including fish species. Currently water flow (guaranteed or ecological) provided by HPP is calculated based on statistical hydrological data regardless of impact on water ecosystem. Evidently, this flow is insufficient for effective fish migration and surviving. In low flow period very often amount of water downstream HPP is essentially small or even river bed is completely dry.

Within the frame of project ECOFLOW Latvian and Lithuanian experts will gain new knowledge about E-flow calculations in correct way, taking into account not only hydrological but also environmental needs, will elaborate methodology for estimation of ecological flow appropriate for Latvian and Lithuanian environmental conditions, as well as prepare proposals for amendment to national legislation.