As tensions between dam development and river ecosystem conservation intensify globally, a key challenge arises with regard to how dam projects can be steered toward greater ecological compatibility without compromising their societal functions. From the perspective of river ethics, this study clarifies the concept and connotation of ecological dams, and proposes a life-cycle analytical framework for their construction and governance. An ecological dam is defined as a dam whose overall ecological effects are positive, whose adverse ecological impacts remain acceptable and controllable, and whose ecological benefits can be realized in a responsible manner. Employing conceptual analysis and policy-oriented synthesis, the article examines the connotation of ecological dams across the planning, design, construction, impoundment, operation, and maintenance stages. It argues that this transformation should be guided by two interrelated principles: controllable ecological impacts and significant ecological benefits. On this basis, the study identifies key developmental pathways of ecological dams, including whole-process ecological risk management, ecological operation, and adaptive management, integrated monitoring & evaluation, as well as improvement of technical standards and pilot demonstration systems. The study thus provides a coherent analytical framework for ecological dam development.
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2026 The Author(s). River published by Wiley-VCH GmbH on behalf of China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR).
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