The
data used in our assessment is the best available and these
findings
are first approximations on land and water requirements.
The
methods adopted here to estimate the impact on protein
supplies
due to dam construction are conservative in the use of SEA
assessments
of loss in fish production, and scaling up supply of
other
proteins in proportion to their existing consumption. FAO
and
MRC data used here does not yet account for future population
increases
and resulting demand for protein. Similarly, other
possible
protein scenarios could be modelled and would add
considerably
to a wider understanding of the impacts and options
available.
Fuller estimations are required to establish more
detailed
accounting of food costs, land and water use and access,
livelihoods,
equity and poverty. Studies for individual nations will
determine
a wider range of impacts and explore the institutional
challenges
that lay ahead. This way the benefits of dams can be
better
compared to the negative trade-offs involved.