February 2013: A recent workshop discussed implementation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Guidelines for the Development of Water Infrastructure in West Africa, with participants identifying good practices addressing the social aspects of the Guidelines.

The workshop was jointly organized by the Central and West Africa Programme of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN/PACO) and the ECOWAS Water Resources Co-ordination Centre (WRCC/ECOWAS) as part of the process for assisting implementation of the ECOWAS Guidelines.

Participants undertook country-level analysis to identify and benefit from good practices already in place. Among good practices identified, participants highlighted the inclusion of local communities as partners in dam construction, particularly to ensure that agreement is reached regarding traditional uses and cultural assets at sites identified. Participants also urged ensuring that communities have access to, and benefit directly from, dam construction.

The ECOWAS Guidelines are the result of a two-year regional consultation process to identify and codify guidelines for good practice in this field. Recommendations include: promoting river basins as integrated development hubs; involving affected communities as partners, and ensuring that they benefit directly from the dam throughout its life cycle; and minimizing the risks of livelihood degradation inherent to the implementation of resettlement and local development plans. [Global Water Partnership Press Release] [Publication: ECOWAS Guidelines for the Development of Water Infrastructure in West Africa]