[Newsletter Contents]

WCD Distributes CD-Rom
15,000 copies go out to every sector and region

There is nothing "compact" about the two WCD CD-ROM copies included with this issue, other than the disc itself. Indeed, never before has so much, written by so diverse a group, about such a huge issue as dams, been sent to so many, for so little.

Just as technological innovations have opened new doors for dam proponents and opponents alike, this disc enables the WCD in its endeavour to prove accessible, comprehensive, transparent, inclusive and practical.

No matter who the user is, he or she can arrange a search thematically, geographically and though a text-search facility. That facility allows the user to a) scan the full lists of all documents, b) select words pre-linked to their most relevant corresponding reports and papers, or c) type in any word, which then automatically searches the entire disc.

The disc's entire contents have been organised under three main categories:

The Final Report
For those who want to "cut to the chase," this presents the distilled essence of the WCD. It represents the sole output unanimously endorsed by all 12 of the Commissioners, and launched to the world on 16 November 2000 in London, includes:Dams and Development: A New Framework For Decision-Making, Formatted English and final draft Spanish An Overview translated in 7 languages Press Kit from Launch 16 November 2000, PowerPoint Presentation; Feedback and Reactions

The Knowledge Base
For those who seek the "clay, bricks and mortar" on which the WCD Report was based and from which it was constructed, this category presents the most comprehensive, global and independent review of dams to date, including: In-Depth Detailed Case Studies of Dam Projects (8) and Countries (3); Thematic Reviews (17) and Contributing Papers; Cross-Check Survey of Dams (from sample of 125); Regional Consultations (4); Submissions (636 online out of 947 total)

The WCD Archive
For those interested in WCD's process as much as its product, this category displays the 'glue,' context, structure, origins and people behind the vast amount of information that was absorbed and processed. It shows that nothing took place in a vacuum, or isolation, but part of a process that began before the historic meeting in Gland and continues long after the WCD disbanded itself. Some of these offer frozen snapshots of consensus building in action, and include: The Work Programme, About the World Commission on Dams; Speeches; Media Releases; Newsletters; Photo Archive.

To obtain additional copies, contact info@dams.org (with nominal cost to include bulk shipping charges)