Integration of E-Flow modules into academic teaching in Bhutan

Associated persons Michael Huber
Clients National Environment Commission of the Royal Government of Bhutan
Year 2020

Between 2015-2018 we developed a national E-Flow guideline to determine appropriate environmental flows for hydropower development in Bhutan. Within a consortium of Austrian, German and Swiss experts led by Dr. Klaus Jorde, E.C.O. was responsible for the socio-economic and socio-cultural assessment methodology of E-Flows. During a follow-up project (‘Consultancy Work for Study on Minimum Environmental Flows for Hydropower Projects in Bhutan Phase II’), the consortium now additionally includes the Carinthian University of Applied Sciences and the University of Stuttgart. The consortium was commissioned to review and amend the original guideline and to ensure the integration of the methodologies, technologies and approaches for E-Flow Assessment into academic teaching in Bhutan. This shall allow for building national capacities on the long run to carry out E-Flow assessment in future. Together with national academic partners, we will jointly develop specific E-Flow modules, the corresponding teaching materials and test it during a pilot implementation in autumn 2021. E.C.O. oversees the courses related to socio-economic and socio-cultural assessment. Our academic partners will additionally explore options for institutional cooperation between Europe and Bhutan.