Infrastructure development has direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts that often extend well beyond construction sites. Many impacts on biodiversity are long term, leading to habitat loss, restricted wildlife movement, and declining species populations. These impacts are complex, affecting both ecosystems and the people who depend on them. With development accelerating worldwide, a multilevel approach is needed, as traditional mitigation based on Environmental Impact Assessments does not fully capture landscape-level effects.
This course focuses on strengthening the application of the mitigation hierarchy throughout the project cycle and linking biodiversity protection with good engineering in the design, construction, and operation of roads, hydroelectric projects and associated infrastructure (including transmission lines), and wind power. Topics include the multilevel approach to infrastructure development, upstream and ecological assessment tools, international standards, good engineering practices, construction management in sensitive areas, and offsets planning.
Drawing on good-practice case studies and exercises, the course will demonstrate practical solutions to protect biodiversity, highlight opportunities to enhance biodiversity values, and showcase how Indigenous and local knowledge can inform effective mitigation measures.
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: General knowledge of the EIA process and an interest in protecting biodiversity in the design, construction, and operation of infrastructure development.
Language: English
Duration: 2 days (17-18 May)
Min/Max: 7-25
Price: $485
Instructors: Juan D. Quintero, Director, Environmental Engineering Consultants LLC (USA); Aradhna Mathur, Sr. 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 Lifetime 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 18 years of experience working on the nexus of conservation and development promoting concept of Biodiversity Friendly Infrastructure. She has experience in evaluating environmental compliance of developmental projects, reviewing the application of measures to minimize environmental risks, policy analysis, and conducting training. 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.