Considering reservoirs as multiple use systems that can contribute to local livelihoods as well as generating hydropower ensures that local people derive benefits from hydropower developments. This has its challenges, however. One of the key issues is the lack of land. Exploiting the seized land areas around the reservoir that are only inundated part of the year is one approach (Box 6), which would address some of the issues of relocation. Resettlements and moving away from the livelihood activities people were familiar with and adapting to new opportunities can often be difficult. Ensuring that new livelihood opportunities are technically viable is important. Moreover, to ensure long-term sustainability and success, it is critical that these livelihood opportunities are socially and economically suitable and take into consideration local cultural contexts and also the institutional constraints both within and between the countries. Management of these challenges requires careful analysis of the different impacts faced and/or understood by various stakeholder groups and their direct participation in planning and management processes such as designing and implementing resettlement plans. Mechanisms to enable these practices and minimise institutional constraints need to be incorporated simultaneously.