Release of the World Commission on Dams' final report

"After this report, we can no longer say, 'we did not know'," states IUCN.

Gland, Switzerland, 16 November, 2000 (IUCN) - "The World Commission on Dams' final report forms a landmark in the history of the development and operations of dams," said Maritta Koch-Weser, Director General of IUCN - The World Conservation Union. "It paves the way for a new approach, one that builds on looking at all energy development options, one that recognises people's rights from the outset, one that more truthfully assesses all risks. It also points to the importance of assessing alternatives to irrigation, water storage and hydropower."

Together with the World Bank, IUCN - The World Conservation Union initiated the World Commission on Dams and its two-and-a-half-year long review in a process which started in 1997.

The report comes at a time when rivers, lakes and wetlands are in peril. Currently 30% of fresh water fish and over 800 other freshwater species are on the brink of extinction. Millions of people are losing their homes, land and livelihoods through natural disasters, floods and droughts, or in connection with the construction of new dams.

"Among the Commission's findings," said Koch-Weser at the official launch of the Report in London today, "I value especially its honest look at the true costs. Whilst recognising the benefits that dams have made to societies, significant is the assessment that dams have resulted in irreversible loss of species and ecosystems. After this report, we can no longer say, 'We did not know.'"

Koch-Weser stressed that the report marks the beginning of a huge task. "The report provides us with solid technical recommendations, which if really applied, in a consultative and participatory way among stakeholders, can make a difference. IUCN, as a unique umbrella organisation of 1,000 members including States, Ministries, and NGOs stands ready to facilitate dialogue among all parties and contribute to the implementation of the report's recommendations."

Maritta Koch-Weser was speaking in London at the official launch of the World Commission on Dam's final report, which gathered together South African Minister of Education Kader Asmal, former South African President Nelson Mandela, HRH The Prince of Orange, as well as World Bank President James D Wolfensohn.