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Dam protesters' concerns backed by research The Nation, Thailand - 18 November 2000 Dam protesters' concerns backed by researchTHE government has been urged to revise its mechanism for approving development projects in response to the publication of two studies which show that such schemes often pose significant threats to the environment. Research conducted by the World Commission on Dams (WCD) found that large dam projects had forced the relocation of 40 million to 80 million people, with subsequent economic hardship and an increase in mental and physical health problems. The commission says that while such dams have provided irrigation for farms and electricity for homes and industry, they have largely benefited better-off people living in urban areas, rather than the rural poor. The WCD, which was set up by an alliance of aid agencies, industry, governments and non-governmental organisations, presented its findings to the public in London on Thursday. The study found that dam projects had caused significant environmental damage, including the destruction of fish stocks and the loss of vast areas of forest and farmland. Witoon Permpongsachareon, director of Toward Ecological Recovery and Regional Alliance, welcomed the publication. He said it proved that a large dam was not the answer but he was concerned that the Thai government would not heed the advice. "We, as anti-dam protesters, do not wish to undermine the pride of pro-dam supporters," Witoon said. "I just hope that pro-dam supporters will realise that all technology eventually becomes obsolete. It's evident that a dam is no longer an appropriate development." He added that the WCD's findings related not only to dams but to all major development projects. Witoon said he wanted to see the government institute a system that properly sought public approval before it embarked on big schemes. Meanwhile, Penchome Sae-tung, of an industrial anti-pollution group, pointed to the annual report from the Office of Environmental Policy and Planning which stated that the country's environment was deteriorating. She said the group wanted to hear what the government proposed to do to improve the situation, instead of turning a blind eye. "During the economic crisis many factories cost cut by turning off their waste-treatment systems," Penchome said. The activist added that she wanted the government to review its policy of industrialisation and take action on people's concerns for the environment. "If state officials did their best to monitor all factories, there would be significant environmental improvements," she said
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