World Commission on Dams

World Commission on Dams
Name	World Commission on Dams
Formation	May 1998
Founded at	Gland, Switzerland
Founder	World Bank and International Union for Conservation of Nature
Dissolution	November 2000
Purpose	To review the effectiveness of large dams and develop standards for future projects
Key people	Kader Asmal (Chair), Lakshmi Chand Jain (Vice-Chair)

World Commission on Dams. The World Commission on Dams was an independent, international multi-stakeholder body established to conduct a comprehensive global review of the development effectiveness of large dams. It was initiated in 1998 by the World Bank and the International Union for Conservation of Nature in response to growing global controversy over the social, environmental, and economic impacts of major dam projects. The Commission's landmark 2000 report, *Dams and Development: A New Framework for Decision-Making*, provided a critical assessment and proposed new guidelines for planning and managing water and energy resources.

Background and establishment

The impetus for creating the Commission stemmed from intense international debates in the late 20th century over the costs and benefits of large hydropower and irrigation projects. High-profile conflicts, such as those surrounding the Narmada Dam projects in India and the Three Gorges Dam in China, highlighted profound disagreements between governments, financial institutions, affected communities, and environmental organizations. In 1997, a workshop convened in Gland, Switzerland by the World Bank and the International Union for Conservation of Nature brought together proponents and critics, including representatives from the Narmada Bachao Andolan movement, industry associations, and academic institutions. This dialogue concluded that an independent review was necessary, leading to the formal establishment of the Commission in May 1998 under the chairmanship of South African minister Kader Asmal.

Mandate and objectives

The Commission's primary mandate was to assess the effectiveness of large dams in meeting development objectives and to evaluate alternatives for water and energy services. Its work was guided by a two-year knowledge base that included detailed case studies of specific dams like the Grand Coulee Dam in the United States and the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River. Key objectives were to review the planning, construction, and operation of dams; analyze their social, environmental, and economic impacts; and develop internationally acceptable criteria and guidelines for future decision-making. The process was designed to be inclusive, incorporating evidence from all stakeholders, including indigenous peoples, engineering firms, and government agencies from countries like Brazil and Norway.

Key findings and report

The Commission's final report, released in November 2000, was based on an unprecedented review of over 1,000 dams and eight in-depth case studies, including projects like the Pak Mun Dam in Thailand and the Tarbela Dam in Pakistan. It concluded that while dams have contributed significantly to human development, they have often done so at an unacceptable cost. The report documented that large dams frequently led to the displacement of millions of people, with inadequate compensation, and caused significant loss of biodiversity and wetlands. It also found that the economic performance of many projects was below forecasts, with frequent cost overruns. The report stressed the need for a rights-and-risks approach to assessing all affected parties.

Dams and Development Framework

Central to the Commission's report was the presentation of a new decision-making framework, built on five core values: equity, efficiency, participatory decision-making, sustainability, and accountability. This framework introduced seven strategic priorities, including gaining public acceptance, comprehensive options assessment, addressing existing dams, and sustaining rivers and livelihoods. It advocated for negotiated, multi-stakeholder processes—often involving non-governmental organizations and local communities—before project approval. The guidelines emphasized the need to consider alternatives like demand-side management and recognized the importance of international rivers and transboundary water agreements.

Impact and legacy

The Commission's work had a profound impact on global discourse and policy related to infrastructure development. Its report became a key reference document for civil society groups, influencing campaigns against projects like the Ilısu Dam in Turkey. It prompted reforms in the policies of major lenders, including the World Bank and export credit agencies, leading to stricter social and environmental safeguards. The principles influenced subsequent initiatives like the Equator Principles for project finance and informed the work of the World Water Council. The Commission also set a precedent for global multi-stakeholder assessments on contentious issues, a model later considered for sectors like mining and forestry.

Criticism and controversy

The Commission and its report faced significant criticism from various quarters. Many governments and industry representatives, particularly from countries like China and India, argued that its findings were biased against dams and undermined national sovereignty over development choices. They contended that the guidelines were too restrictive and would stifle needed investments in water security and renewable energy. Conversely, some environmental activists and human rights advocates felt the report did not go far enough, criticizing its failure to call for a moratorium on all large dam construction. The subsequent lack of a formal intergovernmental mechanism to implement its recommendations limited its direct regulatory influence.

Category:International commissions Category:Water and the environment Category:1998 establishments Category:2000 disestablishments