A shelter for biodiversity
Alps are one of the richest biodiversity areas in continental Europe, thanks to its variety of habitats. They shelter more than 30,000 animal and 13,000 vegetal species, including several endemic fish species.
Due to a long story of anthropogenic modifications and exploitation, considerable impacts on biodiversity in river and riparian ecosystems have been observed. It is estimated that about 90% of alpine rivers aren’t in their natural state anymore. Climate change stresses these ecosystems, threatening human communities relying on them.
The forecast increase of water temperature in the Alps will probably have detrimental effects on biodiversity. For example, a decrease in populations of fish species depending on the coldest rivers and lakes for their living and/or breeding, as these areas will shrink considerably.
A hybrid of Marbled trout and Brown trout in Chalamy river, Italy Marbled trout is an endemic trout subspecies, found only in Slovenian and Italian alpine watercourses. Many alpine fish species are facing conservation issues, such as fragmentation (due to HP or other facilities) or hibridisation. |
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©Erik HENCHOZ – Aosta Valley Autonomous region, Direction de la faune, de la flore, de la chasse et de la pêche |
Revitalisation of rivers is also a tried and true mean to reduce natural hazards like floods or landslides; it has a vital role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. This is one of the many ecological services a healthy ecosystem provides.
Rivers conservation and restoration are key issues for both biodiversity and local communities.
A tremendous source of hydropower
In Alps, hydropower (or HP) is the most important renewable energy source: this traditional form of energy generates more than 90% of the electricity production.
Run-of-river power station Bodendorf during a flushing event, Mur river, Austria
Hydropower covers a significant part of energy requirements in the alpine countries; especially by producing peak current when electricity consumption peaks.
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©Technical University of Graz |
Search for low carbon power generation, in combination with fluctuating prices and supply of fossil fuels, are strong incentives for the development and maintain of hydropower. HP is a future-proof energy supply, significantly improving energy resilience.
Furthermore, where hydropower is a hundreds of years old technology, the already existing power plants have considerable potential to increase efficiency. With suitable work, their ecological performance can be improved as well.
Alpine territories have a highly strategic interest in developing and maintaining an important hydropower generation capacity.