Hydropower development in the Republic of Georgia and implications for freshwater biodiversity conservation

The Caucasus region is a meeting point for culture and nature, lying at the nexus of Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, identified as one 36 global biodiversity hotspots. Republic Georgia, center hotspot, encompasses geographically diverse landscape inhabited by remarkable, endemic, understudied flora fauna under increasing threat from human activities. A wave new proposed dams hydropower presents most pressing challenges freshwater conservation in country where accounts >90% electricity. However, this situation remains largely unknown to international scientific community there limited information available about Georgia internationally indexed peer-reviewed literature. In article, we describe geography, politics, rivers with focus on fishes. We examine trends development over past century identify four distinct periods: pre-Soviet period (until 1921), Soviet (1921–1991), 1990s immediately following Georgia's declaration independence, 21st century. explore effects existing connectivity western their potential consequences diadromous, potamodromous, resident fish. Using Dendritic Connectivity Index (DCI) an analytical lens, found serial decreases DCI values different periods country. Finally, offer considerations future research light ongoing development: i) expand environmental monitoring, ii) assess implement flows Georgian rivers, iii) strategic planning development, iv) establish strict areas protection endangered sturgeons.