An ambitious set of principles and recommendations to guide the future of sustainable hydropower development
The San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower, issued on 24 September 2021 at the conclusion of the World Hydropower Congress, outlines a vision for hydropower’s contribution to meeting global climate and development goals.
The declaration arrives as world leaders seek to identify pathways to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050; a target that cannot be realised without the flexibility and balance that sustainable hydropower provides to clean energy systems.
Public consultation
The San José Declaration provides a framework for enhancing hydropower’s role in the clean energy transition. It has been shaped by a wide-ranging public consultation with participation from hundreds of organisations and individuals, including representatives from hydropower industry, NGOs, international financial institutions, NGOs, academia and research institutions.
At the heart of the Declaration is a recognition that sustainable hydropower is a clean, green, modern and affordable solution to climate change. It says that going forward, the only acceptable hydropower is sustainable hydropower.
The Declaration was presented to world leaders at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November.
Read more about the public consultation
Statements of support
Expressions of support for the San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower were given at the conclusion of the World Hydropower Congress during a high-level stakeholder forum. Watch the videos below to see the full collection of statements by government ministers, industry CEOs and NGO leaders.
Read all statements of support
Download the San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower in your preferred language:
Read the press release: International leaders back bold new blueprint for sustainable hydropower
