Sagarmatha Declaration
SAGARMATHA DECLARATION AND PROGRAMME OF ACTION
adopted at the International Consultation on Water Resource Development in South Asia and the Report of the World Commission on Dams 8-10 December 2002, Kathmandu, Nepal
We, the participants from the countries of South Asia, namely, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka have gathered together with our allies and friends in Kathmandu, Nepal to review water resource policies and projects relating to water and hydropower, to assert the inalienable rights of the people of South Asia over the resources of our lands, and to ensure people-centered development as well as justice and peace among all communities and people in South Asia.
We proclaim the universal truth that 'Water is Life' and 'Water for Life', which has been affirmed by many people, governments, organisations and networks in various forums.
We strongly assert that the absolute and sovereign rights of people and communities to their lands and natural resources, such as water, rivers, wetlands, coastal and marine resources, forest and minerals, must be paramount in any debate, discussion and/or negotiations concerning water resource development policies, plans or projects.
Having reviewed and discussed the situation in the above mentioned South Asian countries, we recognise that many of the existing development policies in the region are undemocratic, anti-people, anti-environment and anti-life. Instead, the dominant so-called "mainstream" policies favour of elite and corporate interests, both national and global, including the imposition of privatization, de-regulation and economic structural adjustment programmes.
We express our deep concern that in particular, centralised and large river valley projects have resulted in serious conflict among people, between people and the State and between States.
We recognise that South Asia has the second largest number of existing and planned big dams, reservoirs and irrigation channels in the world. While some of these projects have achieved certain benefits, although few have matched target goals or expert predictions, they have overwhelmingly and undeniably brought untold misery to the people and caused extensive and irreversible environmental destruction that is beyond compensation.
We are also concerned that so-called development related planning and intervention in the water and hydropower sectors throughout the entire extent of the Himalayan region are being conducted haphazardly without a clear and comprehensive regional policy that encompasses issues of human rights, ecological consequences, genuine ecological and economic sustainability, and cross-border concerns that involve countries beyond the region, such as China.
We also recognise that the land and other natural resources of indigenous and tribal peoples, Dalits, ethnic and/or national minorities are being targeted and exploited, since they are often areas with high potential for energy generation and water supply, while the oppressed populations are particularly vulnerable to resource robbery. Implemented and planned policies and legislations generally deprive such communities of their life and livelihood.
We reaffirm the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the World Commission on Dams. We see this report as a vindication of the resounding claims being made worldwide regarding the destructive impact of river valley projects and big dams and a thorough refutation of those who deny the existence of viable alternatives to such detrimental practices. The report also documents the large gap between realisable and realised benefits from existing infrastructure, which needs to be bridged. We affirm that the WCD report should be used as a framework for reviewing present water and hydropower policies, for planning any future projects in the water and hydropower sector, and also for addressing the outstanding social and environmental impacts of existing dams.
We demand :
A legally enforceable right to information regarding planning, decision-making, implementation, operation and decommissioning of all water and energy resource projects for all affected or potentially affected citizens in their mother tongue;
Clearly defined and legally binding norms of accountability for the projection of costs, benefits and impacts of water and energy resource projects; and Capacity building of governments, institutions, Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) agencies and peoples' organisations, to undertake credible EIAs.
That EIAs should be:
• independent, accountable, participatory and in compliance with indigenous and local knowledge; and
• a legally binding tool in decision making
Local
1. Recognition and respect of the inalienable and non-negotiable rights of the people and communities to their land, forest and water resources, including their legal right to approve or reject any development projects; and
2. Creation of effective institutional frameworks to ensure the meaningful participation of the people in planning, execution and monitoring of projects, equitable access to generated or utilised resources, and local reinvestment of an agreed upon portion of profits under the control and according to the priorities of local people.
National
1. Moratorium on the construction of large dams until reparation to the affected populations and resolution of all problems in the case of existing dams has been achieved to the satisfaction of those concerned;
2. Participatory and credible review of on-going projects to find sustainable and cost-effective options; and
3. Comprehensive, participatory and credible post-project evaluation of all existing large dams must be mandated periodically with results in the reform bindingly informing about future decisions.
Governments
1. To come forward and involve the people in a democratic, transparent and accountable debate and discussion in planning and decision-making for water and hydropower policies, plans and projects;
2. To protect water resources from privatisation, corporatisation and commercialisation for profit; and instead to promote community-control and protection of such resources as a common resource of the peoples and of the future generations;
3. To adopt the decision-making framework proposed by the WCD for an approach to development based on respect for rights, valuing of equity and sustainability;
4. To take the path of de-centralised water management and energy planning with the maximum use of renewable energy sources to meet the energy needs of peoples and communities equitably;
5. To undertake economic, social, cultural and health impact assessments in addition to EIA of dams and related projects; and
6. To undertake country-level reviews of the performance of large dams along the lines of the work carried out by the WCD.
Regional/International
1. Water and water services be kept out of the World Trade Organisation and all other trade negotiations and agreements;
2. Support for or the initiation of appropriate ways to make sufficient and safe water and water services available for all;
3. All regional and international financial institutions, "donors", investors and corporate bodies to adopt policies, guidelines, programmes and projects consistent with the framework proposed by the WCD;
4. All regional and international treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements regarding water resources and supply to be concluded according to existing regional and international human rights and environmental standards and the WCD framework;
5. Co-operation and solidarity-building with international organisations and non-governmental as well as local and community-based organizations in order to facilitate capacity building, conflict resolution and education;
6. Full participation and involvement of the people of the concerned countries in general, and affected people in particular, in any regional or international treaty regarding water resources; and
7. A comprehensive regional Himalayan policy to inform all development-related water resource project, planning and implementation in the region.
We are collectively determined to take up the following Programme of Action: 1. Organise experience-sharing in decentralised and democratic approaches to water and energy resource development and management in the region;
2. Conduct exchange programmes for activists and affected people to enhance learning, understanding and cooperation on water, dams and energy issues;
3. Initiate inclusive dialogues to resolve on-going dam controversies and promote an open process and framework for future decision-making;
4. Undertake impact assessment studies of past and present controversial projects by applying the WCD criteria and guidelines, and suggest alternatives for redesign or de-commissioning of dams if it is beneficial;
5. Conduct joint pro-active research to assist informed debate, better decision-making and sustained campaigns for people-centered development;
6. Organise training and workshops for the implementation of the WCD report and its recommendations as well as to understand various national, regional and international policy guidelines and standards;
7. In view of the numerous instances of adverse trans-boundary impacts of water resource projects in South Asia in general, and along the Nepal-India border in particular, document the problems and disseminate those findings as a first step towards resolution of the problems;
8. Correct the erroneous impression created by many officials in authority and the media that Nepal is controlling and releasing flood waters to cause floods in India;
9. Use as effectively as possible the existing available domestic and international remedies for the protection of the rights and interests of victims, while also working to improve, revise or replace the available remedies with more effective ones;
10. Adopt all possible measures towards conflict resolution on water-related issues from local to national and bi-lateral to multilateral levels;
11. Take collective initiative towards the adoption of South Asia and/or international treaty on water and dams based on the WCD and other international human rights and environmental law and policy framework; and
12. Establish a South Asia network and resource centre on water and energy.
The international consultation was organised by Water and Energy Users' Fedration-Nepal (WAFED) in co-operation with Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), South Asian Network for Dams, Rivers and Peoples (SANDRP) and many other national and international groups and movements. There was a participation from over 50 Nepali government agencies, research institutions and companies, including over 300 Nepali and international participants from various movements.
South Asian Solidarity on Rivers and Peoples (SARP) is the creation of the Consultation to ensure the effective implementation of the Sagarmatha Declaration and the Programme of Action. The Interim Secretariat of the SARP is currently located at WAFED in Kathmandu.
adopted at the International Consultation on Water Resource Development in South Asia and the Report of the World Commission on Dams 8-10 December 2002, Kathmandu, Nepal
We, the participants from the countries of South Asia, namely, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka have gathered together with our allies and friends in Kathmandu, Nepal to review water resource policies and projects relating to water and hydropower, to assert the inalienable rights of the people of South Asia over the resources of our lands, and to ensure people-centered development as well as justice and peace among all communities and people in South Asia.
We proclaim the universal truth that 'Water is Life' and 'Water for Life', which has been affirmed by many people, governments, organisations and networks in various forums.
We strongly assert that the absolute and sovereign rights of people and communities to their lands and natural resources, such as water, rivers, wetlands, coastal and marine resources, forest and minerals, must be paramount in any debate, discussion and/or negotiations concerning water resource development policies, plans or projects.
Having reviewed and discussed the situation in the above mentioned South Asian countries, we recognise that many of the existing development policies in the region are undemocratic, anti-people, anti-environment and anti-life. Instead, the dominant so-called "mainstream" policies favour of elite and corporate interests, both national and global, including the imposition of privatization, de-regulation and economic structural adjustment programmes.
We express our deep concern that in particular, centralised and large river valley projects have resulted in serious conflict among people, between people and the State and between States.
We recognise that South Asia has the second largest number of existing and planned big dams, reservoirs and irrigation channels in the world. While some of these projects have achieved certain benefits, although few have matched target goals or expert predictions, they have overwhelmingly and undeniably brought untold misery to the people and caused extensive and irreversible environmental destruction that is beyond compensation.
We are also concerned that so-called development related planning and intervention in the water and hydropower sectors throughout the entire extent of the Himalayan region are being conducted haphazardly without a clear and comprehensive regional policy that encompasses issues of human rights, ecological consequences, genuine ecological and economic sustainability, and cross-border concerns that involve countries beyond the region, such as China.
We also recognise that the land and other natural resources of indigenous and tribal peoples, Dalits, ethnic and/or national minorities are being targeted and exploited, since they are often areas with high potential for energy generation and water supply, while the oppressed populations are particularly vulnerable to resource robbery. Implemented and planned policies and legislations generally deprive such communities of their life and livelihood.
We reaffirm the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the World Commission on Dams. We see this report as a vindication of the resounding claims being made worldwide regarding the destructive impact of river valley projects and big dams and a thorough refutation of those who deny the existence of viable alternatives to such detrimental practices. The report also documents the large gap between realisable and realised benefits from existing infrastructure, which needs to be bridged. We affirm that the WCD report should be used as a framework for reviewing present water and hydropower policies, for planning any future projects in the water and hydropower sector, and also for addressing the outstanding social and environmental impacts of existing dams.
We demand :
A legally enforceable right to information regarding planning, decision-making, implementation, operation and decommissioning of all water and energy resource projects for all affected or potentially affected citizens in their mother tongue;
Clearly defined and legally binding norms of accountability for the projection of costs, benefits and impacts of water and energy resource projects; and Capacity building of governments, institutions, Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) agencies and peoples' organisations, to undertake credible EIAs.
That EIAs should be:
• independent, accountable, participatory and in compliance with indigenous and local knowledge; and
• a legally binding tool in decision making
Local
1. Recognition and respect of the inalienable and non-negotiable rights of the people and communities to their land, forest and water resources, including their legal right to approve or reject any development projects; and
2. Creation of effective institutional frameworks to ensure the meaningful participation of the people in planning, execution and monitoring of projects, equitable access to generated or utilised resources, and local reinvestment of an agreed upon portion of profits under the control and according to the priorities of local people.
National
1. Moratorium on the construction of large dams until reparation to the affected populations and resolution of all problems in the case of existing dams has been achieved to the satisfaction of those concerned;
2. Participatory and credible review of on-going projects to find sustainable and cost-effective options; and
3. Comprehensive, participatory and credible post-project evaluation of all existing large dams must be mandated periodically with results in the reform bindingly informing about future decisions.
Governments
1. To come forward and involve the people in a democratic, transparent and accountable debate and discussion in planning and decision-making for water and hydropower policies, plans and projects;
2. To protect water resources from privatisation, corporatisation and commercialisation for profit; and instead to promote community-control and protection of such resources as a common resource of the peoples and of the future generations;
3. To adopt the decision-making framework proposed by the WCD for an approach to development based on respect for rights, valuing of equity and sustainability;
4. To take the path of de-centralised water management and energy planning with the maximum use of renewable energy sources to meet the energy needs of peoples and communities equitably;
5. To undertake economic, social, cultural and health impact assessments in addition to EIA of dams and related projects; and
6. To undertake country-level reviews of the performance of large dams along the lines of the work carried out by the WCD.
Regional/International
1. Water and water services be kept out of the World Trade Organisation and all other trade negotiations and agreements;
2. Support for or the initiation of appropriate ways to make sufficient and safe water and water services available for all;
3. All regional and international financial institutions, "donors", investors and corporate bodies to adopt policies, guidelines, programmes and projects consistent with the framework proposed by the WCD;
4. All regional and international treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements regarding water resources and supply to be concluded according to existing regional and international human rights and environmental standards and the WCD framework;
5. Co-operation and solidarity-building with international organisations and non-governmental as well as local and community-based organizations in order to facilitate capacity building, conflict resolution and education;
6. Full participation and involvement of the people of the concerned countries in general, and affected people in particular, in any regional or international treaty regarding water resources; and
7. A comprehensive regional Himalayan policy to inform all development-related water resource project, planning and implementation in the region.
We are collectively determined to take up the following Programme of Action: 1. Organise experience-sharing in decentralised and democratic approaches to water and energy resource development and management in the region;
2. Conduct exchange programmes for activists and affected people to enhance learning, understanding and cooperation on water, dams and energy issues;
3. Initiate inclusive dialogues to resolve on-going dam controversies and promote an open process and framework for future decision-making;
4. Undertake impact assessment studies of past and present controversial projects by applying the WCD criteria and guidelines, and suggest alternatives for redesign or de-commissioning of dams if it is beneficial;
5. Conduct joint pro-active research to assist informed debate, better decision-making and sustained campaigns for people-centered development;
6. Organise training and workshops for the implementation of the WCD report and its recommendations as well as to understand various national, regional and international policy guidelines and standards;
7. In view of the numerous instances of adverse trans-boundary impacts of water resource projects in South Asia in general, and along the Nepal-India border in particular, document the problems and disseminate those findings as a first step towards resolution of the problems;
8. Correct the erroneous impression created by many officials in authority and the media that Nepal is controlling and releasing flood waters to cause floods in India;
9. Use as effectively as possible the existing available domestic and international remedies for the protection of the rights and interests of victims, while also working to improve, revise or replace the available remedies with more effective ones;
10. Adopt all possible measures towards conflict resolution on water-related issues from local to national and bi-lateral to multilateral levels;
11. Take collective initiative towards the adoption of South Asia and/or international treaty on water and dams based on the WCD and other international human rights and environmental law and policy framework; and
12. Establish a South Asia network and resource centre on water and energy.
The international consultation was organised by Water and Energy Users' Fedration-Nepal (WAFED) in co-operation with Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), South Asian Network for Dams, Rivers and Peoples (SANDRP) and many other national and international groups and movements. There was a participation from over 50 Nepali government agencies, research institutions and companies, including over 300 Nepali and international participants from various movements.
South Asian Solidarity on Rivers and Peoples (SARP) is the creation of the Consultation to ensure the effective implementation of the Sagarmatha Declaration and the Programme of Action. The Interim Secretariat of the SARP is currently located at WAFED in Kathmandu.
