Nine Months after the Launch of the World Commission on Dams Report

The World Commission on Dams (WCD) was established in 1998 in response to the increasing controversies over dam projects. Its report, published in November 2000, concluded that dams have delivered many benefits, but in too many cases the price paid to secure those benefits was unnecessarily high and adverse impacts could have been avoided. In recommending a way forward, the WCD presented a new framework for decision making based on a recognition of rights and an assessment of risks. The diverse reactions to the findings and recommendations of the report are outlined in the paper and some of the follow-up activities by government agencies, international organizations and the private sector described. The seven strategic priorities articulated in the WCD's report have received a considerable degree of support and provide a foundation for local processes to follow. A case is made for inclusive, multi-stakeholder processes at national and project level to find a way forward beyond conflicts.