Chinese Priorities in Confronting Urban and Rural Water Challenges

Dong Yanfei

CEWP Chinese Secretariat

Ministry of Water Resources, People’s Republic of China

9 October 2013

Current Situation

ACHIEVEMENTS: inspiring - remarkable - unprecedented

flood control capacity of the main rivers increased significantly

reliability of urban and rural water supply

improved substantially farmland water infrastructure witnessed

continuous improvement water saving and protection strengthened water and soil conservation promoted development and utilization of hydro-power

provided big benefits Water ecosystem protection initiated

Xiaolangdi ProjectThree Gorges Project

small watershed comprehensive management at Dingxi, Gansu

Time: Strong seasonal variation in rainfall

June to September sees 60%~80% of annual total

Space: water abundant in the south & scarce in the north

Mismatch between water availability and water demand

2100 m3 per capita, 28% of the world averageranked the 125 in the world

Uneven water distribution

Limited water per capita

Water Resource Issues

Current Situation

Imbalance between water supply and demand

source-related water shortage in northwest, where precipitation is low and evaporation is high

engineering-related water shortage in southwest , where rainfall is abundant

quality-related water shortage in the east, where the economy develops fast

Current Situation

Frequent flood and extreme eventsMajor rivers are generally well regulated

Emphasis on: middle and small river floods , typhoon, flash flooding, city water-logging, small-sized hazardous reservoirs

Current Situation

Climate change may make this worse

Inefficient water use by agriculture

Food security is of great

importance Irrigation demands about 65% of available water resource in

China Irrigation infrastructure and technology is poor Water loss from irrigation is high Room for significant improvement and water saving

Current Situation

industrialisation, urbanisation and modernisation of agriculture

The water needs of developing China

Future Situation

In a changing climate and with a growing population

Our Understanding about the Importance of Water

origin of life, essence of production, basis of ecology3 “OF”

3 “NATUR

E”

3 “IN”

public nature, basic nature, strategic nature

indispensable primary element of modern agricultureIncommutable basic foundation for eco-social developmentinseparable safeguarding system for eco-environment improvement

economic security

ecological security

national security

strive to blaze a path of water conservancy modernization with Chinese characteristics

flood control security

water supply security

food security

6 “security” 3 “view”

view water conservancy as a priority of national

construction

view farmland water conservancy as a key task of

rural infrastructure construction

view strict water resources management as a

strategic move to expedite transformation of the

economic development mode

1 “path”

Our Understanding about the Importance of Water

2011 China No1 Document

To accelerate water resources reform and development across China

Recognises the need to manage water resources over a long period

Provides funding of 4000 billion Yuan over 10 Years (= to €470 billion)

The most important water management initiative undertaken by China

Many similarities with the EU Water Framework Directive

Scale of Investment

Doubles the investment in water conservancy in the coming ten years to 4000 billion Yuan = € 470 billion

Financed roughly50% Central50% Local

2011 China No1 Document

Priorities for investment Over next 5 years, 1800 billion YuanSecond five years determined after review – Further 2200 billion Yuan

2011 China No1 Document

20%

38%

35%

7%

Priorities for water investment 2010 to 2015

Irrigation and farmland conserva-tion

Flood control and disaster relief

Water resource security

Water and soil conservation

Reduce weak links

farmland water management

middle and small river rehabilitation & small-sized hazardous reservoir reinforcement

engineering-related water shortage

emergency response for flood and drought

drinking water security in rural areas

Priorities

major rivers harnessing

water transfer projects

soil and water conservation and water ecology protection

hydropower development hydrology and water science and technology

Accelerate Development of Water Resource Infrastructure

Priorities

First Red Line – controls water resources utilisation

Second Red Line - controls water-use efficiency

Third Red Line - controls water quality parameters

Linked to Water Functional Zones in rivers and lakes

2011 China No1 Document

Implement a strict water resources management system - Three Red Lines

Monitoring and assessment system

Drives accountability for water resource protection

Links directly to senior officials

Strong penalties for non achievement

2011 China No1 Document

Implement a strict water resources management system - Governance system

Drives innovation and reform of water resource management

water infrastructure construction and operation

local water managementsystems

water price reform

Innovation and Reform

water resource management systems

2011 China No1 Document

Strengthens leadership and knowledge

2011 China No1 Document

strengthen leadership

We see synergy with the EU Water Framework DirectiveWe would like to cooperate on key policy development issues to increase

joint capabilityThese may include

Integrated river basin managementWater scarcity and drought managementFlood risk management and engineeringWater quality and pollution controlEnvironmental management and sustainabilityRegulation and enforcementEconomic analysis and post project evaluationInstitutional capacity building

The China Europe Water Platform will provide the mechanism

Potential cooperation

20

China Europe Water Platform - CEWP

Water has been given a very prominent position in China. The Number 1 Water Document is now being implementedWe have set a ten year plan with very ambitious goalsWater investment will be increased substantiallyConstruction and management tasks are challenging. New policy measures are effective and powerful Need best available knowledge and technology to achieve this

We would like to cooperate on key issues and increase joint capability

We must take water resources management to new level,

if we are to meet the global water challenges

In Summary

Thank you!

And we hope to meet you again in China