The Protocol defines good and best practice at each stage of the life-cycle of a hydropower project across twenty-four environmental, social, technical and economic topics.

[3] After the Protocol's launch, the governance entity of the Protocol approved the development of two additional tools derived from the HSAP, the Hydropower ESG Gap Analysis Tool (HESG Tool) to identify gaps against basic good practice and the Hydropower Sustainability Guidelines on Good International Industry Practice (HGIIP Guidelines), a reference document presenting definitions relating to good and best industry practice.

[4][5] The construction of a dam, power plant and reservoir creates social and physical changes in the surrounding area.

[6] The HSAP was developed in response to the Commission's recommendations, as well as standards set out in the Equator Principles, World Bank Safeguard Policies, IFC Performance Standards and sustainability guidelines developed by the International Hydropower Association (IHA).

[12] A Protocol assessment takes place over a one-week period at the project site and provides a rapid sustainability check.

These assessors have significant experience of the hydropower sector or relevant sustainability issues, and have passed a rigorous accreditation course.

The Protocol also includes ‘cross-cutting issues’ such as climate change, gender, and human rights, which feature in multiple topics.

The forum jointly reviewed, enhanced and built consensus on what a sustainable hydropower project should look like.

Diversity also ensured that the multiple perspectives and stakeholder interests surrounding a hydropower project were incorporated into the document.

This approach to governance ensures that all stakeholder voices are heard in the shaping of the use of the Protocol and its future development.