Infrastructure development has direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts, with impacts extending beyond the immediate surroundings where construction and use occur. Many impacts on biodiversity are long term, eventually leading to a reduction in available natural habitat, restriction in the movement of fauna, and decline in population sizes of species. The impacts tend to be complex, affecting not only wildlife population dynamics but also ecosystems on which both humans and wildlife depend. With development continuing at a rapid pace, a different approach, i.e., multilevel approach, is required as traditional mitigation approaches based on Environmental Impact Assessments do not capture the impacts of infrastructure on a landscape level.

The focus of the course is to strengthen the application of the mitigation hierarchy at all levels of the project cycle and strengthen linkages between biodiversity protection and good engineering in design, construction and operation across different sectors: roads, hydroelectric projects, wind power, and solar. The course will discuss the multilevel approach to infrastructure development, upstream tools; ecological assessment tools; international standards, good engineering practices at the project level; construction management in sensitive areas; and good practices in offsets planning.

This 2-day course, relying on good practice case studies and exercises, will demonstrate practical solutions to protect biodiversity. It will also highlight the opportunities for enhancing biodiversity values in infrastructure projects and the use of indigenous and local knowledge for the identification of mitigation measures.

Level: Intermediate

Prerequisites: General knowledge of the EIA process and an interest in protecting biodiversity in the design, construction, and operation of infrastructure development.

Language: English

Duration: 2 days (18-19 April)

Min/Max: 7-25

Price: $560

Instructors: Juan D. Quintero, Director, Environmental Engineering Consultants (USA) and Aradhna Mathur, Sr. Environmental Specialist, The World Bank (USA)

Juan D. Quintero is a civil and environmental engineer with over 45 years of experience in risk assessment, mitigation and compensation of environmental and social impacts associated with development projects, especially transport and hydroelectric projects around the world. He received the IAIA Life-time Achievement Award for “significant contribution to impact assessment leading to mainstreaming biodiversity conservation in infrastructure projects around the world”; May 2016. Recent publications include Guidelines for Cumulative Impact Assessment in Latin America, A Guide for Good practices for Environmentally Friendly Roads, A Guide for environmental and social management of small solar power projects in Colombia, and “Biodiversity Offsets and Infrastructure”. Juan is a Certified Assessor for the application of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) Sustainable Protocol for Hydropower Development.

Aradhna Mathur is an environmental specialist with over 20 years of experience working on the nexus of conservation and development promoting the concept of Biodiversity Friendly Infrastructure. She has experience in evaluating environmental compliance with developmental projects, reviewing the application of measures to minimize environmental risks, policy analysis, and conducting training. Her work includes developing and promoting biodiversity friendly infrastructure; preparation of manuals and guidance for protecting natural habitats in infrastructure projects across different sectors; reviewing numerous projects for compliance with the World Bank environmental policies and standards. Publications include: A Guide to Good Practices for environmentally Friendly Roads and Green Infrastructure in Tiger Range Countries: A Multi-Level Approach.