Water

The Interim Review of ADB's Water Policy Implementation highlighted the need to revise the policy provision for large water resources projects that involve dams. The then prevailing provision called for all stakeholders to agree on the justification for such projects. The review noted that while ADB should continue such projects cautiously, expecting everyone involved to agree is impractical.

Water agencies, NGOs, and other interested stakeholders were invited to send their comments on a proposed revision. The comments received were reviewed, and a revised proposal was submitted for approval to ADB's Management and Board of Directors.

The revision was approved by ADB's Board of Directors on 28 January 2005.

The original version of Paragraph 32 of ADB's Water Policy stated that

ADB will adopt a cautious approach to large water resource projects—particularly those involving dams and storage— given the record of environmental and social hazards associated with such projects. All such projects will need to be justified in the public interest, and all government and nongovernment stakeholders in the country must agree on the justification. Where the risks are acceptable and ADB's involvement necessary, ADB will ensure that its environmental and social impact assessment procedures are rigorously applied…

ADB’s Water Sector Committee recommended to revise the policy provision in the context of ADB's new accountability mechanism, and to reflect how ADB can promote the participation of stakeholders in project preparation. The revised version reads

• water assessments and policy dialogue in developing member countries (DMCs)
• design of loan and technical assistance projects
• response to ADB's poverty reduction strategy
• progress of regional cooperation
• internal ADB actions
• impact of ADB's 2002 reorganization on policy implementation
• impact of the Cooperation Fund for the Water Sector on operations

"… All such projects will need to be justified in the public interest and stakeholders must be provided with the opportunity to comment on the justification with their views considered. The ADB will promote the informed participation of government, civil society, and other stakeholders in the country in an open and inclusive manner towards this end. Where the risks are acceptable…"

ADB received comments from a wide range of stakeholders until 30 June 2004. These comments are published on this site verbatim. View the comments by

• Name
• Organization

• ADB's Planned Responses to the World Commission on Dams (January 2002)