TITLE:
Evaluating and Mitigating Environmental Effects of Hydroelectric Dams: A Case Study from Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Jean Pierre Ngoma, Wilba Christophe Kikmo, Andre Abanda, Olena Rubanenko
KEYWORDS:
Hydroelectricity, Environmental Impact, Ecological Modeling, Hydroelectric Dams, Sustainable Development
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Power and Energy Engineering,
Vol.13 No.8,
August
25,
2025
ABSTRACT: Cameroon’s energy security hangs precariously in the balance as accelerated hydroelectric dam development becomes a vital strategic lever nationwide suddenly. This dynamic has frequently been woefully underestimated in terms of environmental fallout resulting in considerable ecological degradation of river basins worldwide. A systemic quantitative analysis examining effects caused mainly by national hydroelectric infrastructures is proposed in this present study. A multidisciplinary approach melding spatial remote sensing ecotoxicological assessments and hydrosedimentary modelling achieves this through various intricate means. Major transformations occur upstream and downstream of dams within aquatic ecosystems and terrestrial ones exhibiting biodiversity degradation severely. Results indicate a reduction exceeding 40% in sediment flows naturally and significant loss of wetlands alongside critical alterations in fish species reproductive dynamics. Integrated adaptive management strategies have been formulated in response to such a humongous challenge pretty quickly nowadays. Ecological spillways are established and biological corridors restored whilst optimisation of water regimes occurs based on various ecological flow models. Originality of this research lies in development of contextualised methodological framework that combines advanced environmental modelling with energy governance pretty seamlessly. A concrete path towards sustainable hydropower in Cameroon is delineated by this innovative approach reconciling development goals and ecosystem preservation needs effectively.