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 throughout the world, 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, hydros, wind and ports). The course will discuss: the multilevel approach to infrastructure development, upstream tools; ecological assessment tools; 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.  Participants will also receive a comprehensive set of manuals and guidelines on biodiversity assessment methodologies, habitat assessments, protection of biodiversity in infrastructure projects, and design of offsets.

Level: Intermediate

Prerequisites: General knowledge of the EIA process and an interest in protecting biodiversity from infrastructure development

Language: English

Duration: 2 days (6-7 May)

Min/Max: 10-25

Price: US$480

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

Juan D. Quintero

Juan D. Quintero is a Civil and Environmental Engineer, with over 40 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 “Good Dams-Bad Dams” 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

Aradhna Mathur is an Environmental specialist with over 17 years of experience working on the nexus of conservation and development promoting concept of Biodiversity Friendly Infrastructure. She has experience in policy analysis, evaluating environmental compliance of developmental projects, reviewing the application of measures to minimize environmental risks and conducting trainings. Her work includes developing and promoting the concept of ‘Smart Green Infrastructure’ to ensure infrastructure development is biodiversity friendly; 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.