September 2010: The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)/International Hydropower Association (IHA) has released Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Measurement Guidelines for Freshwater Reservoirs.

The Guidelines are a key outcome of the UNESCO/IHA GHG Status of Freshwater reservoirs Research Project. They provide individuals responsible in this area with a comprehensive tool to assess the GHG status of freshwater reservoirs, including definitive guidance on measurement and qualification of emissions resulting from the formation of reservoirs. The methodology contained within the publication is applicable to all climate types and reservoir conditions. By providing the tools required to determine net GHG emissions in a selected set of reservoirs, the results gained will be used to develop predictive tools, thereby avoiding the necessity of such intensive field measurements in the future. [The Guidelines]