New guide highlights good and best practice for hydropower communications and consultation
The Hydropower Sustainability Alliance has launched a new How-to Guide on Communications and Consultation, outlining good and best practice in stakeholder engagement for hydropower projects.
This How-to Guide is the first global resource dedicated to hydropower that focuses on effective communication and consultation strategies to turn stakeholder risks into opportunities, ensuring compliance with international best practices throughout the lifecycle of a project, from inception to operation.
What does the guide include?
The guide outlines how to identify and engage with both internal and external stakeholders, and details the steps necessary to align with the principles of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. It is aimed at key decision-makers in communication and consultation, including hydropower developers, operators, stakeholders, consultants and governments.
By following this guide, developers and operators can effectively identify stakeholders, engage them meaningfully, secure their support, and thus meet both business and stakeholder expectations while minimising risks.
Doug Smith, an independent environmental and social specialist and an author of the guide, said: “I hope that the guide can support hydropower developers in a number of ways. First, just to understand the importance and value of effective communications and consultation. Then to understand what is meant by ideas such as ‘inclusion’ or ‘two-way dialogue’ in practice.
“Third, I hope it provides them with a resource to keep coming back to and find practical advice and examples. We wanted the guide to be rich with applicable methodologies and approaches and I hope we've achieved that.”
Why is good communications and consultation important for hydropower projects?
Effective communication and consultation are critical for managing project risks and opportunities, and for achieving specific goals such as reaching agreements on various project aspects. Additionally, stakeholders have a fundamental right to be informed and consulted.
Interview with local communities in Nepal.
Photo credit: Bizbell Energy.
For consultation to be meaningful, it must be appropriately timed, with sufficient resources, based on full information, free from coercion, involve two-way interactive dialogue, and be conducted in good faith.
João Costa, Executive Director of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance, said: “By applying the methods outlined in this guide, developers and operators can foster stronger, more constructive relationships with local communities, ensuring all voices are heard and valued. A proactive engagement not only prevents dissatisfaction or delays but also helps uncover better solutions through collaboration.
“This enables hydropower projects to deliver greater benefits to local stakeholders, while driving progress toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.”
You can download the guide here.
