Sida's view on the report published by the World Commission on Dams
May 2001
Sida attaches great importance to the fact that these issues have become the subject of a thorough analysis. The values in the report are shared by Sida in principle and they are well in line with Sida's objective of reducing poverty.
That different stakeholders have been able to reach consensus through the WCD on a joint document regarding information and attitudes on dams is indeed a step forward.
The conclusions drawn in the WCD report are largely in line with Sida's regulations and guidelines laid down in Sida's Policy on Environmentally Sustainable Energy Sector Assistance (1996), Sida's Guidelines on Environmental Impact Assessments in Development Cooperation (1998) and Sida's Action Programme for Sustainable Development (1998).
The above-mentioned policies and guidelines will continue to be the basis of decisions regarding Sida's support to dam projects in the future. The WCD's report will therefore constitute important reference material prior to deliberations and collective assessments that are to be performed. The WCD report will also form part of the basis for the forthcoming review of Sida's guidelines on environmental impact assessments.
Sida intends to give financial support so that Sida' s cooperation partners will receive information about the report and be given the opportunity to absorb the views outlined in the report to a greater extent.
Sida's intends furthermore to continue to support the development of laws, regulations, institutions etc. in partner countries so that dams and dam expansion projects can be discussed in a democratically, socio-economically and environmentally acceptable and transparent fashion.
