As the world's largest renewable energy, hydropower is an essential part of the solution to climate change. With its pollution-free electricity, hydropower is providing a pathway to a sustainable future.

As with any infrastructure project, the construction of a hydropower facility will inevitably have local impacts on communities and the environment. It is incumbent on all stakeholders, especially the hydropower developer and operator, to seek to maximise project benefits while avoiding, minimising or mitigating any negative impacts.

As a renewable energy, it is essential that hydropower is developed sustainably. The International Hydropower Association (IHA) has played a leading role in the development of what constitutes good and best practice in hydropower development encompassed by the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, a global certification scheme managed by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance and aligned with World Bank and IFC performance standards.