Address Water challenges with joint hands
for promoting sustainable development
Dr. JIAO Yong
Vice Minister of Water Resources, China
June 8, 2011, Marseille
World Water Council Members Meeting
Congratulations from Ministry of
Water Resources, China
World Water Council Members Meeting
I would like to share with you
• Chinese experiences in respect
to integrated water resources
management and
• views on sustainable use of
water resources
Message on 2011 World Water Day
By UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
“ As the world charts a more
sustainable future, the crucial
interplay among water, food and
energy is one of the most
formidable challenges we face.
Without water there is no
dignity and no escape from
poverty. ”
Why we gathering here…
• Members Meeting --a platform for
discussion, communication and
cooperation
• Water issue must be placed as the
top priority, and
• Governments and international
communities to take much care
about sustainability of water use
National Facts of China
• Large population
• Fast economic growth
9000
8000
• Low water resources
per capita：28% of the
world average
7000
6000
5000
4000
7800
3000
2000
2188
1000
0
World average
China
National Facts of China
• Uneven water distribution in space and time
Total Water Resources
North,
19%
P≤200mm
South,
81%
P≥800mm
• Not compatible: water distribution v.s economic layout
Achievements in Water Sector
Large-scale development in
water sector since 1949
Achievements in Water Sector
• Reservoirs: 870,000
• Dyke: 290,000 km
Flood control system
for key rivers
• Irrigation: 60m ha
National food security
• Water supply
capacity: 660b m3
Industrialization,
urbanization,
modernization
• Erosion controlled:
1m km2
Improved environment
Water Challenges in China
Water problems still remain in China due to the
basic water condition with interactions of
impacts of global climate change
– Frequency of basin-wide large flood: up 20%
– Frequency of severe drought: up 18%
– Insufficient agricultural infrastructure jeopardize
Food security
– Urban population increases with urbanization
Water Challenges in China
• Ecological security
– Over-pumping of groundwater
– Shrinking river system
– Deteriorating wetland
Transition of water strategy
• Sustainability as the fundamental principle of
water development
• People at center for concern
Progress in
water sector
Water Problems addressed
• 300m rural population access to safe drinking
water (2006-2010)
• 6 years ahead of MDGs
• 7,356 (US$ 10b in 3 years) reservoirs repaired
& reinforced
• 200 GW hydropower developed
• Sufficient food supply with fare prices
– Not rely on international market
– 13 million ha. Irrigation farmland improved
The latest water policy
No. 1 Document in 2011:
• relates to the reform and development in
water sector
• has paramount significance for the nation
• gives a panorama of goals, policies and tasks
for next 10 years
The latest water policy
No. 1 Document states:
• Water is the origin for life, the vital element for
production and the foundation for ecology.
• Water is of the characteristics of public
interests, basic and strategic functions.
Future Focuses
In future, Chinese government will:
• highlight the safety and quality of people’s
livelihood
• emphasize equality of public water services
• focus on improvement of vulnerable aspects in
respect to water
• pay more attention on sustainable use of water
(to be con’d)
Future Focuses
•
•
•
•
implement strict water management
construct water-saving society
protect water resources, and
creat compatibility between bearing capacity
of water resources and economy
• enhance capacity building for organizations
• promote participation of the public in water
management
International Cooperation
South-South Cooperation and Bilateral aids
• Technical support:
CHINA
-
Sedimentation reduction
Small hydro
South-South Cooperation
IWRM
Dam engineering
Rainwater collection & utilization
International Cooperation
With non-governmental organizations
GWP
WWC
ICOLD
ICID
IAHR
IWMI
INBO
Share experience and lessons in water management
Through water forums & events
Progress since 1992 UNCED…
• Governments and international organizations
actively responded to initiatives and agreements
• Strong willing to work together for MDGs, and to
cope with water-related natural disasters
Internationally recognized:
• IWRM
• Indispensable role of
water in poverty-reduction
& development
World Water Council plays a significant role to
• Raise awareness, urge commitment & action
• Promote sustainable water development &
protection
• Initiate World Water Forum: important
platform
China highly values WWC’s role in addressing
water-related problems
Time for Action
Water issue should be identified as one of the
main themes for sustainable development at the
global event.
China’s Commitment
• Make constant efforts to realize promises with
actions
• Call for the water issue as the top priority for
sustainable development, and
• Strengthen cooperation with all international
communities
Thank you