The Protocol assesses the four main stages of hydropower development: Early Stage, Preparation, Implementation and Operation. Assessments rely on objective evidence to create a sustainability profile against some 20 topics depending on the relevant stage, and covering all aspects of sustainability.

The Protocol is the result of intensive work from 2008 to 2010 by the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Forum, a multi-stakeholder body with representatives from social and environmental NGOs (Oxfam, The Nature Conservancy, Transparency International, WWF); governments (China, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Zambia); commercial and development banks (Equator Principles Financial Institutions Group, The World Bank); and the hydropower sector, represented by IHA. The Protocol was officially launched in Brazil in June 2011 and is governed by a multi-stakeholder  council, comprising a governance committee and a management entity, the latter residing within IHA.

Download a leaflet giving an introductory overview of the Protocol

The implementation of the Protocol is made possible by the assistance of the European Commission’s Life+ programme.