Ecosystem protection activities in line with engineering of the hydroelectric power stations cascade in the “Sharyn” riverheads”

Objective:
Construction of the HPS cascade in the upper reaches of the Sharyn river may lead to negative consequences because of violation of the natural hydrological regime of the rivers. Spring and summer floods will be replaced by artificial augmentation during winter. Floodplain ecosystems and their characteristic species of flora and fauna over the centuries adapted to the natural flood regime will be disturbed. HPS operation in summer creates
a shortage of water, spring-summer floods are replaced with winter releases. Water spreads out across the ice to form ice crust, congestion and hanging ice dams, resulting in the flooded roots for long term. The root system of trees, soaking and freezing in the winter dies. Lack of water during summer flooding restricts severely or completely eliminates the possibility of germination and natural regeneration of the stand and many riparian
shrubs. Changes the deadline for flood also affects the vital habitats of animals. Many species (deer, etc.) hibernate and feed in woods. Because of the water discharge, they will be forced to leave the habitat and there is no refuge in the surrounding rubbly-stony deserts to them, especially in windy harsh winters. Thus, it is require studying thoroughly this region and determining the action plan for biodiversity conservation.

Project outcome:

• To preserve the unique natural sites in the headwaters of the river and the Sharyn Pearl Valley (ash forests) there has been designed activities in the construction of hydroelectric power

• Action plan for the conservation of natural objects in the construction and operation of HPS in the upper reaches of the river Sharyn is created

• To accumulate water during the winter period and water feed in the necessary terms in the Sharyn floodplain a reregulating reservoir in its headwaters is created.

Project duration: 1 year.