Angola
Nowhere have the environmental flow requirements been thoroughly assessed in Angola.
Namibia
A comprehensive environmental flow assessment for the Kunene River has not yet been undertaken. However, within the frame of the Lower Kunene Hydropower Scheme feasibility study (Epupa/Baynes Project) of 1998, the maintenance of a minimum flow of approximately 20 m³ per second is assumed sufficient to support a functioning aquatic habitat in the river. This volume is also deemed sufficient to maintain the Kunene River mouth habitat (about 180 km downstream of the proposed dam site). The environmental assessment further assumes that the daily regulation of water, due to retardation and buffering effects of the long river stretch, is of little importance to the river mouth area. The minimum flow (proposed 20 m³/sec), however, is more important, since it prevents inflow of salt water to the fresh water habitat of the river mouth (NAMANG 1998).
Within the current Baynes study detailed environmental flow requirement studies are being undertaken. The results are expected to be available in 2011.
Kunene River basin near Tundavala, Angola.
Source: Kellner 2010
( click to enlarge )
