Some environmental aspects of proposed hydro-electric schemes on the Zambezi River, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Additional hydro-electric schemes on the Zambezi River, Zimbabwe, have been proposed to help meet that country's growing electricity demand. Preliminary environmental impact studies have shown that one of these schemes, at Mupata Gorge, poses a serious threat to the wilderness character and wildlife resources of the middle-Zambezi valley, while an alternative scheme, at Batoka Gorge, would entail much less environmental cost. Likely impacts of these schemes on mammals, birds, fish, terrestrial and aquatic vegetation, human health and other environmental aspects are discussed. It is recommended that further environmental research on Zambezi hydro-electric schemes be carried out on an international basis.