International experts intensify critique of Ilisu dam while regional resistance grows

(WEED, Berlin, March 2006) A recent symposium organised by the Initiative to Keep Hasankeyf Alive in Turkey in February 2006 brought together experts on hydrology, archaeology, resettlement, irrigation, culture, tourism, amongst others. A new review of the EIA report shows that it does not meet World Bank standards OP 4.01 and OP 4.04. ECA Watch member Berne Declaration noted at an 8 March 2006 Swiss ERG seminar that the project has major flaws and that it’s environmental impact assessment and resettlement plan do not fulfil Worldbank, IFC, OECD and WCD standards, pointing out that without a comprehensive project plan, ECAs should not give guarantees to the project. Recent documents and news can be found at the new WEED Ilisu web site.