8 April 2000
WCD Sets Launch And Plans Comprehensive Follow Through Of Final Report
Release plans and implementation to affect $40 billion-a-year global industry

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - More than 56 institutions in 34 countries met and solidified their collective agenda to undertake a massive outreach operation that receives, absorbs, digests and disseminates the Final Report of the World Commission on Dams, thus ensuring its lasting impact on large dams around the world.

The Forum, a focused global peer review and advisory group to the WCD, will pick up where the Commission leaves off in mid-November. Whereas the Commission will produce the Final Report, the Forum will take responsibility for its follow-through and implementation.

"The Commission has been in 'listening mode' during this meeting, and I assure you that we have listened - sometimes painfully- but always with an open mind. We shall take full account of your comments as we move toward drafting the final report."

"But let's be clear: the Report will not satisfy everyone on all points; the Commission will not dilute its content to the extent of being completely anodyne; we will not simply pander to vested interests on either side of the debate. It has been and will remain independent."

The Forum consists of industry groups, development officials, private contractors, NGOs, government executives and representatives of peoples affected by dams. Their opinions often clash, and discussions are lively, intense, but always conducted with respect for opposing views. All parties united on the need for follow-through, and chose to explore the possibilities for a third Forum meeting to discuss implementation of the report and the next steps in the process.

"Your discussions here have emphasised the need for a report that is as practical as it is useable," said Asmal. "We do not wish to leave a worthy tome to gather dust on the shelf, but rather to develop practical responses to the issues that generated the Commission in the first place. We are all aware that this inevitably includes the challenge of building local capacity to implement such complex projects on the ground. Many of you have said, quite reasonably, that you cannot commit to buying the report "site unseen." Others, like the industry group, the African Development Bank, and the UNEP have committed to its dissemination well in advance. All of this gives us the momentum to take your ideas, submissions, criticisms and internalise them as we sprint towards completion of the Final Report."