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In April 1997, with support from the World Bank
and IUCN, representatives of diverse interests met in Gland,
Switzerland, to discuss highly controversial issues associated
with large dams. The workshop brought together 39 participants
from governments, the private sector, international financial
institutions, civil society organisations and affected people.
It resulted in the establishment of the World Commission on
Dams (WCD).
The Commission conducted the first comprehensive
global and independent review of the performance and impacts
of large dams, and the options available for water and energy
development. Public consultation and access to the Commission
was a key component of the process.
The final report of the World Commission on Dams,
Dams and Development: A New Framework for Decision-Making, was
released in November 2000 |
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Key findings of the WCD report
Through its Global Review, the Commission presented
an integrated assessment of when, how and why dams succeed or
fail in meeting development objectives. The Commission undertook
eight detailed case studies of large dams including that of
Tarbela dam, Pakistan and prepared country reviews for India
and China plus a briefing paper on Russia and the Newly Independent
States. Its framework for decision-making is based on five core
values - equity, sustainability, efficiency, participatory decision-making
and accountability.
The report proposes:
- a rights-and-risks approach as a basis for
identifying all stakeholders in negotiating development choices
and agreements
- seven strategic priorities and corresponding
policy principles for water and energy resources development
- gaining public acceptance, comprehensive options assessment,
addressing existing dams, sustaining rivers and livelihoods,
recognizing entitlements and sharing benefits, ensuring compliance,
and sharing rivers for peace, development and security; and
- criteria and guidelines for good practice related
to the strategic priorities.
The findings and recommendations of the report
would be used as springboard for the consultative process in
Pakistan.
Excerpts from the WCD Report
You
may download the entire text of the report published by the
WCD from the following link: www.dams.org/report
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