This presentation focuses on the research I undertook to explore the potential for implementing community-based strategic environmental assessment (CBSEA) for micro and mini hydropower (MHP) projects in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, India. To improve environmental impact assessment processes for hydropower projects in India, strategic environmental assessment has been proposed (Kumar & Katoch, 2015; Kuniyal et al., 2017; Lodhi et al., 2016). CBSEA further provides an alternative to traditional assessment tools where the process is conducted by community members – making community concerns and local knowledge the heart of the assessment, however, there is little consideration of its practical implementation, leaving its potential largely unknown. A case study approach using the Kullu District, in the state of Himachal Pradesh was undertaken to consider CBSEA in this context. I have collected data through an ongoing document review, semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders, and the observation of community events and MHP projects during my three months in the field. Data revealed the various roles of community members and decision makers in MHP development. Through the data collected, I was also able to identify potential barriers and enablers to implementing CBSEA, such as the unwillingness of government to listen to community members, a desire for community involvement in decisions and evidence of strategic level thinking. While many people considered MHP positively contributing to development in the area, water scarcity and an increase in landslide occurrences presented as an overwhelming concern, supporting the need for cumulative effects assessment when considering hydropower development.