ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the dams debate in the context of the wider debate on equitable and sustainable development and the corresponding framework of internationally accepted norms and standards. It introduces the rights-and-risks approach for achieving negotiated outcomes. The chapter elaborates the Commission sets out this constructive and innovative way forward for decision making in the form of the seven strategic priorities listed here. The priorities are: Gaining Public Acceptance Comprehensive Options Assessment; Addressing Existing Dams; Sustaining Rivers and Livelihoods; Recognising Entitlements and Sharing Benefits; Ensuring Compliance; Sharing Rivers for Peace, Development and Security. They are expressed in the form of achieved outcomes. These strategic priorities provide guidelines for all affected parties on a new way forward one that is founded on achieving equitable and sustainable development through a process that successfully integrates social, economic and environmental considerations into decision-making on large dams and their alternatives.
