Power Lines and Biodiversity in the Colombian Territory

Esteban Alvarez Dávila

This paper presents a conceptual framework of the effects of high-voltage energy transmission lines on the biotic component of Colombia’s terrestrial ecosystems. The discussion is illustrated with cases of ISA’s projects — the company in charge of the largest part of the National Interconnected System (NIS) in Colombia. During the design and construction of the lines, the main impacts are caused by the removal of vegetation along the corridor and by the opening of roads for the transportation of material and labor. Because of the high diversity, endemism patterns and ecological deterioration of the Andean region, the greatest impact occurs precisely there where the largest part of the NIS infrastructure is concentrated. Additionally, the cutting of vegetation sometimes produces the fragmentation of remnants of original habitats, increasing the impact because of the degradation process generated in the ecosystem. A description of the environmental management model developed by ISA for the prevention and handling of such impacts is presented, emphasizing the indispensability of an appropriate characterization of the biodiversity.

Keywords: Transmission line, rights-of-way, biodiversity, impact of high-voltage energy lines, environmental management, Colombia