The World Commission on Dams (WCD) is pleased to announce that an independent study of the dams in the Glomma and Lågen basin in Norway has started.

Detailed map of the Glomma / Lågen Rivers (Opens in new browser window)

The Glomma-Lågen study is one of up to 10 case studies of dams in major river basins around the world to be undertaken by the Commission in preparation of its June 2000 final report. The WCD report will provide a framework for future decision-making on dams, which epitomize the many conflicts at the heart of debates over sustainable development. The case studies will underpin that final report by illustrating 'lessons learned' in terms of evolving decision-making approaches and the myriad impacts - positive and negative - of dams on people, the environment, and economies. However, it should be noted that the Commission is not judicial in nature and will not adjudicate on disputes over individual dams.

The WCD is charged with addressing many specific issues that have arisen around dams, particularly the competing interests of urbanites and rural dwellers, locally-affected people, farmers, utilities and industry, environmentalists and water users. This in-depth review of the development effectiveness of the Glomma and Laagen will be of relevance both locally and globally.

"Norway is one of the world's major dam-building nations, particularly for hydropower development," said Professor Kader Asmal, WCD Chairperson and South Africa's Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry. "Our global review of dams will be all the richer for tapping into the wealth of Norwegian experience surrounding the dams and water and energy resource development through the Glomma-Lågen basin study." The WCD also will study dams in Brazil, Pakistan, Thailand, Zimbabwe/Zambia, South Africa, India, Turkey, China and Russia.

In this study the Commission will focus on the integrated nature of the dams, reservoirs and watercourse developments in the Glomma-Lågen basin, and their regional impact. The study will examine the socio-economic and environmental impacts of Glomma-Lågen basin developments on the southeast region of Norway. This case study offers particular lessons in terms of evolving, legal, regulatory, institutional and decision-making frameworks related to hydropower development and river basin management in a developed country setting.

The Norway experience will also help illustrate the ways in which attitudes toward dam-related development and operation can change over time. These changing attitudes may be based on changing values (eg environmental concerns becoming a new priority), past experience, and new information and understanding as to the various impacts of dams, their role in water and energy resources management, and regional trends and influences.

This Glomma-Lågen basin case study will be an open process. The WCD Norway team will consult with a wide array of interest groups on all aspects of the study while it progresses. These include:

• Non-governmental organisations involved in social, environmental and nature conservation aspects of river basin use and management
• Government and its agencies at all levels
• Power utilities and the private sector
• Local farmers groups and irrigation interests
• the academic community
• And local people in the upstream and downstream areas of the basin

The Secretariat of the WCD has engaged the Eastern Norway Research Foundation (Østlandsforskning) to assemble and lead an inter-disciplinary project team to outline the scope of the Glomma-Lågen case study. This 'scoping' phase will include widespread consultation with interested parties plus a literature review. The implementation phase of the study will start in July 1999 after finalisation of the scoping report. The case study is scheduled to be completed by January 2000.

"It is important for all parties to realize that the Commission carries out its work independently," said Achim Steiner, WCD Secretary-General. "The success of this process depends on participation by a broad spectrum of interested parties."