Restoring forests and protecting biodiversity: a case study from the Ituango Hydroelectric Project
Lower part of the Ituango Reservoir. Photo by Joerg Hartmann
On the steep slopes of Colombia’s Cauca River canyon, the Ituango Hydroelectric Project offers insight into how large-scale renewable energy development can engage with conservation and forest restoration. In a region shaped by deforestation and habitat loss, the project’s progressive approach to biodiversity management highlights practical steps for supporting ecological outcomes alongside energy generation, writes Joerg Hartmann.
Colombia’s dry tropical forests are among the most endangered ecosystems in Latin America; less than 10% of their original extent remains. Meanwhile, the surrounding forest ecosystems are under growing pressure from agriculture, development and human settlement. The 2,400 MW Ituango project, developed by Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM), overlaps with several of these threatened biomes, as well as habitats for iconic species like jaguars, pumas and endemic amphibians. The reservoir inundated some 3,800 ha of land along the Cauca Canyon.
Rather than taking a compliance-only approach, EPM has implemented a biodiversity strategy that goes beyond mitigation, aiming to conserve what remains and rebuild what has been lost.
Recognised for its commitment to environmental stewardship, the Ituango project achieved Silver certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard in 2024, with biodiversity conservation identified as a key area of strength in its assessment report.
View of the Ituango Dam from the reservoir. Photo by Joerg Hartmann
Protecting and restoring tropical forest habitats
Situated in a region home to dry tropical forest, tropical rainforest, and premontane rainforest biomes, the project area is rich in biodiversity but highly vulnerable to ecological disruption. Recognising this, EPM has made forest conservation a cornerstone of its biodiversity management strategy at the Ituango project.
A key measure has been the acquisition of partially degraded land in the Cauca River canyon, including 17,471 hectares specifically acquired to meet biodiversity offset requirements. These protected areas are privately owned and managed by EPM, safeguarding vital habitats for species at risk.
Restoration efforts have been equally ambitious. Working in partnership with the National University of Colombia, EPM launched a large-scale dry tropical forest restoration program. A dedicated greenhouse at El Palmar – built and operated by EPM – has produced more than 1.3 million native tree seedlings across 40+ species for reforestation initiatives. Restoration activities also extend to the 100-metre buffer zone above the reservoir waterline, with local communities actively engaged in planting, maintenance, monitoring, seed collection and other efforts.
Reforestation in the 100-metre buffer zone around the second reservoir at Ituango. Photo by Joerg Hartmann
Safeguarding wildlife: rescue, relocation and recovery
EPM’s commitment to biodiversity has gone beyond forests. Recognising the disruption that construction and reservoir filling can cause to wildlife, the company implemented extensive faunal recovery programmes in the development of the Ituango project.
Through the Fauna Attention Centre (CAV PHI) established at the main camp, 1,238 animals affected by project activities have been rescued, with an impressive 95% relocation success rate. Species rescued range from amphibians and reptiles to mammals and birds.
In aquatic ecosystems, the scale of effort has stretched further. Following a 2018 contingency event, a major fish rescue operation was launched. With the collaboration of more than 1,000 people – primarily fisher folk, as well as biologists and professionals from other fields – over 700,000 fish were successfully rescued and relocated.
Controlling invasive species and improving water health
Managing invasive species is another vital part of biodiversity protection at Ituango. EPM introduced targeted programmes to control and remove invasive plants and animals, including the giant African snail (Achatina fulica) and common water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes).
By removing these invasive species and cleaning aquatic vegetation and debris, the project is creating healthier conditions for native species to thrive. The quality of the water flowing out of the reservoir is better than the quality of the inflows, thus improving aquatic habitat conditions.
Water hyacinth on the Ituango Reservoir. Photo by Joerg hartmann
Strengthening community engagement and scientific research
Local communities are central to the Ituango biodiversity strategy. Through partnerships with organisations like Fundación Humedales, EPM is working with fisher folk to promote sustainable fishing practices and supporting initiatives like the volunteer Guardacienagas (wetland rangers) to conserve key wetland ecosystems downstream.
Environmental education programs have also been rolled out in partnership with local communal associations, helping to build lasting environmental stewardship among community members.
Meanwhile, Ituango is contributing to scientific knowledge through an extensive research programme focused on aquatic biodiversity. The barrier effects on fish migration have been shown to be very limited. Collaborative conservation initiatives are underway with Conservation International, including efforts to establish large-scale biodiversity corridors between protected areas as well as the Ituango and Urra Hydropower Projects.
Long-term resilience and future challenges
Despite these conservation achievements at Ituango, uncertainties remain – particularly regarding the long-term impacts of the project on fish populations and wetland connectivity downstream.
Changes to sediment transport and river connectivity can have complex ecological effects over time. The trapping of sediment in the reservoir is expected to gradually change the river channel downstream, which could affect the large and highly biodiverse wetlands in the lower Cauca River. Ituango’s comprehensive biodiversity programme, its commitment to monitoring, and its proactive conservation measures will need to be maintained over the long term to support healthy ecosystems.
The independent assessment of Ituango against the Hydropower Sustainability Standard highlights that the project has demonstrated minimal effects on local and regional biodiversity, while also making important contributions to conservation science, and restoring rare ecosystems. 5-yearly recertifications of the project under the Standard during operations will allow EPM to track the progress of their biodiversity initiatives.
Take the next step in hydropower biodiversity management
The Ituango Hydroelectric Project shows that even the largest renewable energy developments can deliver net benefits to ecosystems when biodiversity management is treated as a priority. Through investment in forest protection, wildlife rescue, community engagement and scientific research, Ituango offers a valuable example of how complex and often contentious issues can be managed sustainably and aligned with conservation goals.
For hydropower professionals and environmental specialists alike, understanding best practices in biodiversity management is critical to meeting today’s sustainability expectations. If you’re looking to deepen your expertise in this area, our online course on best practices in biodiversity management provides the knowledge and tools you need to succeed.
Through this self-paced course, you will gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of biodiversity impacts from hydropower, learn how to design effective mitigation strategies, and ensure projects are aligned with international sustainability standards.
For another example of conservation efforts in Colombia’s tropical ecosystems, read about how the Chorreritas Hydropower Project is safeguarding biodiversity in the San Andrés valley.
You can also find out more about the Hydropower Sustainability Standard and the benefits of implementation.
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