The ecological benefit-loss evaluation in a riverine wetland for hydropower projects - A case study of Xiaolangdi reservoir in the Yellow River, China

•A three-step framework of ecological benefit-loss evaluation for hydropower projects.•An index system of riverine wetland ecosystem services valuation.•A comprehensive analysis on the ecological benefit and loss for Xiaolangdi reservoir.

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis on the ecological benefit and loss of Xiaolangdi reservoir from its completion in 2000 to 2012. We firstly propose a three-step framework of the ecological benefit-loss evaluation for hydropower projects, in accordance with which an index system of riverine wetland ecosystem services valuation was established originally. Then we make a quantitative valuation on the change of riverine wetland ecosystem services caused by this project. Finally, the ecological benefit and loss of the project in the riverine wetland were evaluated in two aspects of positive impacts and negative impacts. The results showed that (1) the positive impacts of Xiaolangdi reservoir mainly included 9 categories of ecosystem services: flood control, ice prevention, sedimentation reduction, energy substitution, emission reduction benefit, water supply, afforestation, shipping and entertainment; the total ecological benefit of the project in the riverine wetland was 26.2058 billion yuan. (2) The negative impacts of Xiaolangdi reservoir mainly included 5 categories: loss due to land submergence, heritage submergence, water and soil erosion, reservoir sedimentation and immigration; the total ecological loss of the project in the riverine wetland was 24.2167 billion yuan. (3) From 2000 to 2012, the net value of ecological benefit-loss for the project was 1.9891 billion yuan.