Water

Dams and Development E-Paper Contents

p. -1 of 74 BACK | NEXT Home Page of Dams and Development Foreword I. Why an e-paper on dams and development? II. Assessing options III. Participatory processes IV. Social impacts V. Environmental impacts VI. Benefit distribution VII. Dam safety and sustainability VIII. Existing projects IX. Improving governance X. What other organizations say XI. ADB, Dams, and Development XII. References Contact Us

World Commission on Dams (WCD, 2000)

WCD Strategic Priority 2 - Comprehensive Options Assessment

The key message and associated policy principles of WCDs second strategic priority are:

Key message:

Alternatives to dams do often exist. To explore these alternatives, needs for water, food and energy are assessed and objectives clearly defined. The appropriate development response is identified from a range of possible options. The selection is based on a comprehensive and participatory assessment of the full range of policy, institutional, and technical options. In the assessment process social and environmental aspects have the same significance as economic and financial factors. The options assessment process continues through all stages of planning, project development and operations.

Effective implementation of this strategic priority depends on applying these policy principles:

1. Development needs and objectives are clearly formulated through an open and participatory process before the identification and assessment of options for water and energy resource development.

2. Planning approaches that take into account the full range of development objectives are used to assess all policy, institutional, management, and technical options before the decision is made to proceed with any programme or project.

3. Social and environmental aspects are given the same significance as technical, economic and financial factors in assessing options.

4. Increasing the effectiveness and sustainability of existing water, irrigation, and energy systems are given priority in the options assessment process.

5. If a dam is selected through such a comprehensive options assessment process, social and environmental principles are applied in the review and selection of options throughout the detailed planning, design, construction, and operation phases.

Read Strategic Priorities – A New Policy Framework for the Development of Water and Energy Resources from the WCD Report.