Hydrosult

	Strategic Options for the Water Sector - P.R. China
	*Background* The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has the world’s sixth largest water resources, but these are distributed unevenly. Demand for water is increasing as the result of population growth, improvement of the standard of living, and industrial and socio-economic development. If this trend continues to 2020, the total water demand will be about 40 percent more than the current demand. Many of the country’s irrigation systems are inefficient. This, combined with pollution from industrial and municipal wastewater discharge, and increased demand for water, has made it necessary for the PRC to shift its emphasis from construction to broader water resources management, and to reform the water resources sector. *Objectives* Study the technical, social, economic, human resources, environmental, legal and institutional factors governing the water sector; and assess the need for policy interventions and institutional improvements, including human resources development, physical and structural actions. Specific tasks: i) analyze issues, constraints and identify opportunities in the water sector; ii) formulate strategic options; and iii) develop a strategic planning framework and action plan for the water sector. *Outputs* Water resources development and management policy principles at the national, sectoral and basin levels were reviewed, including existing quantitative and qualititative water resources information. A detailed information base assessing the physical resources base (surface water, groundwater, water quality), identifying sensitive ecosystems and related water impacts, and describing water resources development and use was prepared. The water allocation system was analyzed, past and present programs for water supply and disposal, irrigation and drainage and hydropower were evaluated, as well as the impact of in-stream water uses on the environment. Discussions of water sector policies and strategies were held with central and provincial bodies. Key issues facing water subsectors were high-lighted and future trends were identified. A strategic planning framework and a related action plan were developed, along with a subset of strategic options appropriate for technical assistance and project interventions by international assistance agencies. Finally, a national water sector profile was prepared. Sponsor: Asian Development Bank (ADB) Duration: 1999-2000 Project value: $1 100 000.00
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Strategic Options for the Water Sector - P.R. China