ABSTRACT
One of the major requirements for any hydro-dam project proposed for funding to the Nordic aid agencies is the carrying out of thorough environmental impact assessments (EIAs) prior to the commencement of the project. In the Swedish International Development Cooperation Authority (SIDA), for example, all such projects are screened through an EIA sensitive procedure that scrutinizes the project preparation process, the comprehensiveness of the feasibility studies, the project implementation projections, and so on. For hydro-power projects, emphasis is placed on impacts such as changes in the watercourse and sedimentation problems in the rivers, effects in areas with natural vegetation or unique species, obstruction of fish migration to spawning areas, and water use or ownership conflicts (Persson 1994:17). So it is with the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), where EIA studies conducted by independent consultants and made available for public scrutiny are said to be required before a hydro-power project is considered for funding (Bryceson 1994: 23-2). Similar procedures also apply for the Finnish International Development Agency (FINNIDA).
