Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies

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Topics / Urban Ecology and Environmental Design / Global Perspectives on Large Dams
 

Global Perspectives on Large Dams

Conference Agenda
dam_conference_agenda.pdf
Detailed schedule of events.

The conference is open to all:

Yale Students, Faculty, and Staff free
Public $35
From fish extinction, dam collapse and community displacement to hydropower, agricultural development and flood protection, discuss and learn why so many dams are coming down and going up around the world.

Join us on November 3-5, 2006 for “Global Perspectives on Large Dams,” a conference hosted by the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. The conference will feature:

  • Bruce Babbitt, former Secretary of the Interior
  • Dr. Ramachandra Guha, Environmental Historian
  • Wayne Edwards, International Committee on Large Dams
  • Dr. David Woodruff, University of California at San Diego
  • Jacques Leslie, author of Deep Water
  • Tim Palmer, author of Rivers of America
  • Case Studies of the Snake River and Three Gorges Dams
  • Panels on Sustainable Development and Dam Construction; Food Security, Health and Dams; Laws and Dams; and Dam Removal Rationale

The construction of large dams is the source of great controversy – dams can provide flood control, channel water for irrigation, harness energy that provides an alternative to fossil fuels, and contribute to economic development in many places. However, they can also cause flooding in upstream regions and alteration of downstream areas leading to the disturbance of fish and other aquatic organisms, alteration of riverine habitat and landscapes, the displacement of entire communities, and forced changes in livelihood activities.

With the hope of shedding some light on this controversy, the Global Perspectives on Large Dams conference will promote discussion between academics, technical experts, social justice advocates, politicians, and engineers on domestic and international dam projects. This conference seeks to create an interdisciplinary forum for the exploration of social, ecological, and economic impacts of large dams. The complex questions surrounding large water infrastructure projects, particularly dams, warrant debate and discussion amongst stakeholders, agencies, and sectors. We aim to promote collaborative approaches to problem solving and to foster the sharing of innovative solutions and approaches to managing river basins for human and ecological needs.

The conference is open to all, at varying costs:

Yale Students, Faculty, and Staff free
Public $35

A reception will be held on Friday evening following Secretary Babbitt's keynote speech. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday and Sunday.

All questions and concerns should be addressed to Laura Jensen.
laura.jensen@yale.edu
203-889-7859

Organizing committee


Erin Barnes: erinargyle@gmail.com
Zachary Donohew: zachary.donohew@yale.edu
Laura Jensen: laurabjensen@gmail.com
Nadav Tanners: nadavtanners@gmail.com
Kate Neville: kathryn.neville@yale.edu
 
 

 

 
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