About Rivers & Dams

Pak Mun Dam

Millions of people worldwide are facing serious threats to their livelihoods and cultures due to large dams. Intended to boost development, these projects have instead resulted in further impoverishment, degraded environments and human rights violations. An estimated 40–80 million people have been forcibly evicted from their lands to make way for dams. These people have often been left economically, culturally and psychologically devastated.

In addition to huge social and environmental impacts, dams often fail to meet projected benefits. In November 2000, the World Commission on Dams (WCD) released a highly critical report showing that dams have on the whole generated less power, irrigated less land and supplied less drinking water than projected, while costing significantly more than expected. While dams can prevent some floods from occurring, the WCD found that they can also worsen damages suffered when floods do occur. Better options for meeting energy, water and flood management needs exist.

Thanks to the work of activists and communities around the world, the pace of dam building has slowed over the last decade. The movement to stop destructive dams and other river development projects has grown throughout the world. Together, we are fighting for just and equitable development that respects the basic human rights of all people.

For a visual introduction to dams, rivers and people watch our We All Live Downstream slideshow.