Conclusions Chapter
Really like this chapter, picking out the key points and clearly linking recommendations to the analysis. Much of what I said above refers to this chapter as well as points are taken up again. It forms the core part of the executive summary and that is very good. A few further comments:
- Linked to the suggestion above regarding a section on how to design medium- and long-term evaluation of WCD’s practical impacts–on p139, para2, you’re commenting on medium- and long-term–any suggestions on how many years “medium” and “long” would be?
- Representation: It could come out more strongly that equitable representation can lead more balanced and INTEGRATED outcomes–depending on the process, chairing, facilitation, eloquence of participants, etc. Everybody represents different views–and how are these being weighed?
- P 140, para2: the term “constituency drift” might be useful.
- Implementation: Again, the question of role & status (advisory, legal stature) is, from my perspective, not as clear and common to all MSPs.
- P142, bottom: I find this a bit too positive/optimistic-or I am too sceptical. Might be due to the fact that you do not/cannot reveal all of the evidence. If that’s the case, you could choose to comment on that. Finally, in the last sentence: is the question of “confidence of Forum members”–ie their perception-the only measure of undue influence? It might be the only practical one…
- P143, para 2, first sentence: I think you can be stronger here: “so that the WCD LIVED UP TO ITS projected image…” I think the term “image” might be the one bothering me. WCD’s work in that regard was not only about “creating a neutral image” but about BEING as neutral as possible…?
- P145, inclusiveness: I miss reference to the problems with adequate gender representation. You make a strong statement earlier and that I find important enough to take up again here (see comment above).
- P148, legacy: same point as regards different types of MSPs. And: Is the WCD follow-up process advisory only? How will the role vis-a-vis govts develop, and vis-a-vis/within UNEP?
Comments on the executive summary
Is very good as it is. Some comments on the full report apply. Are you printing this in a brochure format separately–I assume so. Wide dissemination would be very good.
Comments on the publication plan
- Question: Will this be a WRI report or a book publication (I guess the former)? Have you talked to Earthscan to publish it as complementary to the WCD report? Not sure if that would be feasible vis-a-vis WCD and its successor, it would certainly increase the number of readers. I believe it would fit into Earthscan’s portfolio.
- I assume you are considering publishing various articles based on the report. “Tomorrow Magazine” might be an option, if tailored towards the business & NGO readers. UNDP’s and UNEP’s magazines should be interested, too. I bet UNED would like a brief article in Network 2002 (contact person is Toby Middleton, tmiddleton@earthsummit2002.org).
- I assume you will make the report available on the wcdassessment.org website; would be good to provide the background papers there, too.
- The report seems well tailored towards the targeted audiences. For some, a summary of the summary of lessons learnt & recommendations might be useful. You could pull out the conclusions boxes for that purpose–something for people to copy and take along when designing MSPs.
- Outreach opportunities: I’d suggest to hold launch events/panel discussions or similar, possibly in collaboration with WCD representatives and UNEP, at the various PrepComms towards Earth Summit 2002, if possible. Also, events/exhibition/material at the Summit itself and/or satellite events would be good. The Bonn International Freshwater Conference, Dec 2001, would be important to cover. Other target events could be international and regional meetings of stakeholders involved in dams development, such as professionals, industry, and scientists. Also check the attached list of upcoming meetings (mostly related to the Earth Summit 2002 process). I’ll be happy to forward information to various list serves and/or provide you with details of groups that I am on.
Acknowledgement of reviewers
I wouldn’t mind being acknowledged as a reviewer – I’d indeed be honoured. I am working as an independent consultant, mostly with UNED Forum, but also with others such as WEDO. My comments are made in my individual capacity.
