IWRA Proceedings

This report has been made from the part of achievement of Japanese National Water Problems Association for more than 30 years. This 30 years correspond to the active period of water resources development in Japan. Because, most of confusion and conflict relating to dam project in Japan today have its history for more than 30 years or so. We have had cooperated with the residents and the local government who had suffered from long-term negotiations with planners (most of them were the Government experts) for more than 30 years, during that time, it was very rare case and the difficult time for them to cooperate with the residents.. However, the government of Japan recently abandoned more than 92 dam construction projects. While such a change in the policy is attributed to the economy crisis and surplus of water resources by the government, very long delays in negotiation both dam constructors and project-affected residents, in terms of monetary and societal losses. These losses should be compensated. Modalities should be established so that either agreement between those related or cancellation of the project could be made without major delay in decision-making. The bitter experiences in Japan should be examined so that useful lessons may be secured both for Japan and other countries in abroad.