Hydropower operators are being impacted across tropical basins due to heavy sedimentation and increased climate variability. Recent research by Conservation International shows strong potential for cloud forest restoration to enhance water volumes, regulate flows and reduce sedimentation.

The Cloud Forest Blue Energy Mechanism is an innovative financing instrument currently under development by Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy, to share the costs, risks and benefits of restoration between operators and investors. The initiative has been selected as one of the top three ideas for the Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance this year based on its potential for replication and financial sustainability.

This session will introduce the concept and discuss how such a scheme can be structured in different watersheds across the world, with perspectives from leading scientific, technical and financial experts.

More information: https://www.hydropower.org/congress/sessions/productivity-and-forest-restoration