Protecting Rivers and Rights: The World Commission on Dams Recommendations in Action

The most comprehensive guidelines for large dams that protect the rights of river-dependent communities were outlined by the World Commission on Dams (WCD) in 2000.

Ten years later, International Rivers is happy to announce a new briefing kit for activists and allies, "Protecting Rivers and Rights: The World Commission on Dams Recommendations in Action," as part of our WCD+10 activities to move the dams debate forward. The purpose of this publication is to provide activists with concrete examples of where and how the WCD principles have been applied, and what happened when they were ignored. 

• Download the briefing kit in English (1 MB)
  
• Download the Spanish version of the briefing kit  - Español (1 MB)
• Download the Chinese version of the briefing kit  - 中文 (1 MB)
  

The briefing kit explores six broad principles covered by the WCD, which encompass basic values of human rights and sustainable development that are essential to minimizing the negative impacts of large dams on people and the planet.

The briefing kit contains:

• International and national laws and policies that incorporate key principles;
• Case studies of where principles have been applied or ignored, including photographs; and  
  
• Useful quotes and references for further reading.

In answer to the question, Has the WCD been implemented since 2000? We answer: Its principles have, but we must do more and in more places. You can view our other WCD+10 activities and join the dams debate by signing up for our Dam Standards email list.