The World Commission on Dams (WCD) process has ended, and a temporary dams and development unit established in it place.

The third and final WCD forum ended with a three-day meeting in Cape Town of around 100 participants and industry observers. There was no unanimous endorsement of the WCD Dams and Development report; but some felt its guidelines were too rigid and likely to delay urgently-needed projects. But views softened, according to a WCD spokesman, and a consensus emerged that, despite remaining differences, the report provided a solid reference point for all parties to move forward.

The Dams and Development unit will bring the report to a wider audience. It will be hosted by the UN Environment Programme.


External weblinks


World Commission on Dams