Cecilia Tortajada

Dogan Altinbilek

Asit K. Biswas

One of the most controversial issues of the water sector in recent years has been the impacts of large dams. Proponents have claimed that such structures are essential to meet the increasing water demands of the world and that their overall societal benefits far outweight the costs. In contrast, the opponents claim that social and environmental costs of large dams far exceed their benefits, and that the era of construction of large dams is over. A major reason as to why there is no consensus on the overall benefits of large dams is because objective, authoritative and comprehensive evaluations of their impacts, especially ten or more years after their construction, are conspicuous by their absence. This book debates impartially, comprehensively and objectively, the positive and negative impacts of large dams based on facts, figures and authoritative analyses. These in-depth case studies are expected to promote a healthy and balanced debate on the needs, impacts and relevance of large dams, with case studies from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America.

Impacts of Large Dams: A Global Assessment

Nilgun B. Harmancioglu

This book provides an in-depth description of water resources of Turkey, a country with a unique geographical location, extending from the Mediterranean in Europe to the Middle East. Its varying geography, topography, hydrology, geology and climate are reflected in the diverse characteristics of its water basins. Furthermore, due to its geographical location, Turkey has a significant number of transboundary river basins and has to share its water resources with its neighbors, an issue that can sometimes lead to water conflicts. Turkey is also an interesting example of a developing country that is attempting to adapt to universal water management strategies while at the same time facing legal, institutional, economic and capacity development problems. It has long remained a water-rich country, but the situation is now changing due to the increasing population, inefficient use of resources, and the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. This book is useful for national and international organizations as well as water resources professionals. It takes on an added significance in the light of climate change in the region, water management problems and transboundary water basins.

Dogan Altinbilek

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