The World Commission on Dams
From SEA.unu.edu/wiki
Background and objectives
The World Commission on Dams (WCD)–an independent, multi-stakeholder process sponsored by the World Bank and IUCN–was established to review the development effectiveness of large dams. Its brief included the consideration of alternatives for water and energy services; developing internationally acceptable criteria and guidelines for planning, designing, construction, operation, monitoring, and decommissioning of dams.
The WCD reported its findings in November 2000. Over two years, the WCD conducted the most comprehensive, global and independent review of large dams to date. The World Bank said it would use the WCD report “as a valuable reference ...when considering projects that involve dams”.*
Approach
The WCD mandate was to:
- Review the development impact of large dams and assess alternatives for water resources and energy development.
- Develop international criteria, guidelines and standards, where appropriate, for the planning, design, appraisal, construction, operation, monitoring and decommissioning of dams.
The WCD undertook the following to develop a knowledge base upon which to base its recommendations:
- In-depth case studies of large dams in five continents, together with two country papers.
- A cross-check survey targeted at 150large dams in 56countries.
- 17 thematic reviews.
- Four regional consultations.
- Inputs submitted by interested individuals, groups and institutions.
Outcomes
The global review had three components:
- An independent review of the performance and impacts of large dams (looking at technical, financial and economic performance; ecosystem and climate impacts; social impacts; and the distribution of project gains and losses).
- An assessment of the alternatives to dams, the opportunities they provide, and the obstacles they face.
- An analysis of planning, decision-making and compliance issues that underpin the selection, design, construction, operation and decommissioning of dams.
The Commission developed criteria and 26 guidelines. These were developed to help States, developers and owners, as well as affected communities and civil society in general, meet emerging societal expectations when faced with the complex issues associated with dam projects. These aim to foster informed and appropriate decisions, thereby raising the level of public acceptance and improving development outcomes.
* World Bank’s policy is detailed and explicit for international waterways. It is less so in other areas of potential transboundary effects. World Bank and the World Commission on Dams Report, Q&A, March2001.
Source: World Commission on Dams (2000).
(Reproduced with permission of OECD.)
