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

Third World Water Forum

The Dams theme at the Third World Water Forum in Kyoto in March 2003 comprised nine sessions and agreed on the following recommendations:

'A framework for planning and implementation based on values of equity, efficiency, participatory decision-making, sustainability and accountability has found general acceptance. To meet development needs and avoid the costs, risks and delays of the past, appropriate practice on water and energy policy and the planning, construction and operation of infrastructure should be adopted to:

• consider all options including all benefits and impacts;
• introduce participatory processes that influence decision-making by recognising the rights of all stakeholders including beneficiaries and affected communities;
• find solutions that benefit all stakeholders so that those adversely affected are the first among beneficiaries;
• recognise the value of ecosystems and the contribution that they make to livelihoods, focusing on avoidance of impacts where possible and mitigation;
• capitalize on the potential to increase productivity and reduce the impacts of existing systems;
• provide incentives and effective national legislation to ensure that policies and procedures are implemented;
• work together across administrative boundaries for cooperative integrated water resources management.

Projects based on sound economic, social and environmental principles and in accordance with national laws, regulations and policies should be supported and the responsible Government agencies encouraged to review policies and procedures to incorporate the above recommendations'.

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