In a unique process, different interest groups have assessed the experiences with large dams and developed proposals for the future. In its global survey, the commission points out to the severe social and ecological problems of existing dams. Those affected by large dams and NGOs have been demanding for years to solve the problems of existing dams before starting to build new ones. In this context, also the German government has to face its responsibility and act accordingly. It has contributed to bi- and multilateral financing of dams that forced numerous people to resettle without adequate compensation and caused severe and expensive environmental damages.
Information is necessary to enable a fair discussion among all stakeholders.
As a first step, we demand the compilation and publication of a complete list of large dam projects, built, under construction, or planned with financial support from the German government. This includes as well as projects with direct German support all projects of multilateral financial institutions, projects with export credit guarantees, and bilateral projects. Therefore we appeal to the German government to support measures that ensure a planning process with the participation of those affected and a just distribution in the sense of the WCD-report. We appeal to other ministries involved in the decisions on large dams to discuss and implement the results of the WCD, too. This refers to, above all, the urgently needed reform of export credit guarantees as stated in the coalition agreement and coherent polities between the respective ministries.