Abstract
In this section we examine how large-scale hydrodevelopment involves synergistic processes and produce cumulative effects that result in the degradation of rivers and the complex human environmental systems they support. This critical focus is not an outright rejection of hydrodevelopment. On the contrary, contributing authors argue that sustainability is achievable when river basins are developed and managed in ways that sustain diverse human and ecological needs. This coupled bio/social systems approach forces consideration of complex concerns: WHOSE livelihoods are sustained? WHO defines sustainability? On WHAT terms? Towards WHAT prioritized goals?
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References
World Commission on Dams. 2000. Dams and development: A new framework for decision-making. The report of the World Commission on Dams. London: Earthscan Publications.
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© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
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Johnston, B.R. (2011). Introduction: Hydrodevelopment, Cultural Diversity, and Sustainability. In: Johnston, B., Hiwasaki, L., Klaver, I., Ramos Castillo, A., Strang, V. (eds) Water, Cultural Diversity, and Global Environmental Change. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1774-9_21
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1774-9_21
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