One of the central goals of the WCD is to reach out to stakeholders, concerned individuals and groups all over the world, and to learn from their experiences with large dams. The WCD used the mechanism of submissions/representations as a means of eliciting inputs into the WCD process.
It pursued this on two levels. At a general level, the commission sought submissions through its web site, in addition to receiving them by regular mail and via email. On a more specific level, the WCD invited submissions to be presented at the four regional consultations.
The Secretariat accepted submissions as inputs to the commission's knowledge base until 31st March 2000, after which preparation began on the final.
- access to existing information, data and analysis on dams;
- ensure a review of a wide range of experience with different dams and river basins;
- an understanding of the diversity of perspectives on major issues associated with dams;
- documentation of good practices and state of the art knowledge on dams and water/energy resources management.
The Submission
Process
The following diagram helps to
explain the submissions received, respond/review and recording
process followed by the WCD:
Each submission received was reviewed to
determine which aspect of WCD work it best applied to, and was then submitted to WCD task leaders relevant to that aspect. The task
leaders reviewed the submissions. All submissions received are be considered to be in the public domain, unless requested
otherwise.
Who can send
submissions:
The WCD welcomes communications and submissions from all stakeholders including:
- the dam
construction industry;
- project affected
people;
- local, national
and international NGOs and networks;
- academics and
researchers;
- international
organisations;
- dam operators,
water utilities and power companies;
- industry
professionals involved in appraisal, design, operation
or decommissioning of dams and
others.
Submissions may be sent on an individual
basis or by a group of individuals/organisations.
Submission
content
Your communication may pertain to
specific dams or river basins. The submission may also deal with the
subjects such as energy, water supply and flood control
alternatives; displacement, resettlement and rehabilitation;
sustainability, development effectiveness of dams; decommissioning;
the policy and institutional framework for decision making in the
project and planning cycle etc. For an expanded description of the
issues to be studied under thematic reviews and case studies, please
look at the work programme, available on the web site.
Your submission will
be used in the following manner:
-
The WCD has
identified 17 broad themes covering social,
environmental, economic, options assessment and
institutional aspects concerning large dams. Your
submission may feed one or more of these
themes.
-
The WCD has
selected 8 river basins and focal dams for in-depth case
studies. Your submission will be considered in the
context of a specific case study or serve as a reference
note.
-
The WCD will
undertake a limited cross-check survey/brief reviews
of a sample of 150 large dams. Submissions on these
specific dams will be considered during their review.
Some guidelines to
follow
Please read the list of proposed
case studies and thematic reviews in the WCD work programme and
identify potential linkages with your submission. This will help
ensure that it reaches the relevant focal point within the WCD. Even
if your submission concerns a theme, dam or region not directly
addressed in the work programme, please do send it. It will
contribute to the Commission's overall understanding and knowledge
of dams related issues.
The Commission would appeal for brevity and
focus in writing the submission. Recommended length between 5-10
single spaced pages. However, attachments/annexures can be included
to provide material for further reference. Photographs and videos to
illustrate an issue may be sent but are not essential.
The official working language of the
Commission is English, and submissions should use this language
wherever possible. Submissions sent in any other language must be
accompanied by a 2-page abstract in English. Should the financial
situation allow the Commission to work simultaneously in other
languages in future, notification shall be posted here.
How to make a
submission
To make a submission by
e-mail, please consult and download the
Summary of
Submission to the World Commission on Dams and complete in
Microsoft Word compatible format. If you are struggling to open it, right-click on the link, choose "save target as", and save the file to your hard drive. You will be able to view it in Microsoft Word.
For a submission by post, please
fill in the form provided below and mail it along with a copy of the
full text of your submission. (You may use the form to fill in the
information in the boxes or use it as a guide to present your
information). The form will allow the WCD to classify and summarise
the information that will be available in greater detail in your
submission.
Please send to submission@dams.org (electronic versions)
or by mail to:
Secretary General
World Commission on Dams
PO BOX 16002 Vlaeberg
Cape Town 8018
South Africa
Fax: ++ 27
21 426 4036
Copyright © 1999, 2000 The World Commission on Dams
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