Author(s): Mauro Carolli; Hakon Sundt; Atle Harby

Linked Author(s): Atle Harby

Keywords: No Keywords

Abstract: The transition to sustainable energy production must be balanced with global biodiversity commitments. In Norway, several watercourses previously protected from hydropower are now being reconsidered, yet public debate often relies on limited knowledge. The Biodiversity–Energy Nexus project aims to improve this knowledge base by developing a toolbox to assess both existing anthropogenic impacts in protected rivers and the potential effects of new hydropower development. Alongside biodiversity hotspot mapping, we are developing a hydromorphological (HyMo) classification system and testing the suitability of various HyMo indicators for use with available remote sensing (RS) data. We established an initial HyMo assessment framework capable of accessing relevant RS sources, delineating data at the reach scale, calculating indicator levels, and producing preliminary HyMo classifications. The framework is tested in a control reach using UAV-based multispectral imagery, LiDAR, and national datasets for ground-truthing. Early results indicate that several HyMo indicators can be derived from RS data at reach scale, but that field measurements are still required to ensure robust indicator estimates. These findings highlight the potential for RS-supported HyMo assessment as part of a broader decision-support tool for evaluating protected watercourses under renewed hydropower interest.

DOI:

Year: 2026