Dams and Development E-paper

Dams and Development
E-Paper Contents

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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

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Strategic Planning and Sector Analysis

Strategic planning and sector analysis are essential elements for determining both the level of need for a particular service and the extent that various options available can satisfy that need. Whereas, in some cases, the rationale for a choice of technology or approach may appear obvious, it is important for public acceptance that it be explicitly stated and backed-up with credible data and analysis.

The options available to meet specific water, energy, food security and flood management needs are many and the role of the strategic planning and sector analysis will be to provide a coherent macro-level framework within which individual decisions on projects or programs can be taken. The approach can include an objective analysis of past experience with individual technologies and assessment of the opportunities and constraints of available options.

Some advantages of moving options assessment further upstream in the planning process are highlighted in the World Bank's Sourcebook on Stakeholder Involvement in Options Assessment, para 3.24

One example of such a planning process is a technical assistance in China, Strategic Options in the Water Sector , ADB TA No. 2817-PRC, completed in 1999. An entry point for strategic planning can also be through a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).

The World Bank's Sourcebook on Stakeholder Involvement in Options Assessment highlights the following advantages and consequences of moving options assessment further upstream in the planning process (para 3.24):

Better decisions are likely to emerge because the assessment is not constrained by sector-specific orientations
Inappropriate options can be eliminated early in the process…Early options assessment can also result in the need to develop basic information profiles for a wide range of options
Governments have more flexibility to address the legitimate interests and concerns of all constituencies. This also helps improve related strategic decisions such as improving the enabling environment, sector financing, and regulatory and institutional reform.
There is a better opportunity to "fast track" specific initiatives and projects where consensus is reached early that there are pressing needs that should be met immediately.
Upstream assessment makes subsequent decision-making more efficient by avoiding the need to re-open the options debate each time a decision is required for a specific dam.
If a dam does emerge as a preferred option, then it will be as a result of a legitimate, strategic choice among alternatives. This has great advantages in getting public support, acquiring finance for the dam and avoiding costly delays.

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Dams and Development

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