World Commission on Dams / Reports

The following assessment by International Rivers compares the compliance report for the Xiaoxi project to the Strategic Priorities of the WCD, as well as the German Emissions Trading Authority Guideline for Determination of Compliance with the recommendations of the WCD. We begin with background on the report. We then provide a summary of our main observations and a detailed critique of the report. We end with conclusions and recommendations.

Chinese investment in Cambodia's hydropower sector is threatening some of the country's most precious ecosystems and the livelihoods of thousands of people, according to a new research report released today. The research report, prepared by International Rivers and the Rivers Coalition in Cambodia, highlights the growing interest in large-scale hydropower dam development by Cambodian decision makers backed mainly by Chinese project developers and financiers.

This report, commissioned by CEE Bankwatch Network and written by International Rivers, details how large dams financed by the EIB have damaged communities and the environment and failed to bring promised development benefits.

International Rivers analyzed the Bujagali Hydroelectric Project’s compliance with the decision-making framework of the World Commission on Dams. The project will need to comply with the WCD framework if the developer intends to sell carbon credits to the European market. The analysis shows that the project fails to fully comply with most of the

This International Rivers Report that was published in 2005, five years after the World Commission on Dams report was published. International Rivers takes stock of how the different interest groups have responded to its findings and recommendations, and presents perspectives on how the WCD framework can be implemented in the future.

This is International Rivers' guide on how to use the World Commission on Dams report in their struggles for justice and human rights. This 59–page booklet provides background on the formation of the WCD, a detailed summary of the WCD’s findings and recommendations, and responses from NGOs, institutions and governments to the report. Most importantly, the guide provides suggestions for how activists can use the report to stop destructive development projects and promote better alternatives.

Presented at the Southern African Hearings for Communities Affected by Large Dams

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Anna Moepi. I come from Lesotho. I am a representative of the community from Matala, who initially came from Molikaliko. We thank you happily for inviting us here to get our side of the story and are hoping you will support us.

Here is our position before the Lesotho Highlands Water project came. We were living in peace and harmony. Our life was a simple undisturbed life. Our mode of transport was ourselves – we were travelling on foot, also using donkeys and horses to go to the clinics and the shops.

Medha Patkar, Deborah Moore and Joji Carinho: three WCD commissioners