ABSTRACT
In previous chapters the negative impacts of water projects on ecology and health have been lamented in detail, but there are also some positive notes in this otherwise dreary melody. The occasion of planning and constructing a water project presents health and ecological opportunities which seldom occur otherwise. Ecological protection and disease prevention can often be significantly advanced on these occasions, if planners and investors are alerted to the possibilities. The creation of a water project for power or agriculture usually includes special attention and investigations by potential donors and investors. These investors are sometimes receptive to the financial and social advantages of small additional investments in health and ecological components of the water project, to preserve the overall stability of the investments in hydropower or irrigation facilities.
