Armenia - New Water Code, National Water Policy and National Water Program
From WaterWiki
Contents |
Armenia's new water policy at a glance
Feature Story: Making the best of what you have
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, water management in Armenia suffered considerably. To name just one example, the level of Lake Sevan, a major water body, dropped because excessive amounts of its resources were used to generate hydropower. Institutions and coordination mechanisms were weak, which caused the situation to deteriorate even further.
The overall goal of the project, which was supported by the World Bank and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), was to introduce integrated water resources management(IWRM) principles in Armenia.
The following objectives were established: the improvement of water resources management through decentralization, strategic planning, increased capacities, and the establishment of a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the sector. UNDP contributed to the overall water reforms through building links with neighbouring countries to address transboundary water problems.
On 4 June 2002 Armenia adopted a new Water Code, which was one of the most important steps in reforming the water sector. It calls for the creation of a national water policy and contains significant provisions on planning and managing the country's water basins. The Code also makes it possible to use economic tools for water resources management and cost recovery.
The Water Code enabled the creation of new institutional framework which is being implemented by three agencies. The Ministry of Nature Protection, through its Water Resources Management Agency , is implementing water resources management and protection. The Ministry of Territorial Administration, through its State Committee on Water Economy, is implementing the management of water systems. And the Public Services Regulatory Commission is implementing tariff policy in water relations.
There have been other milestones, such as passing in 2005 the law ‘On Fundamental Provisions of the National Water Policy' which represents a prospective development concept for the use and protection of water resources and water systems.
In addition, the draft law ‘On the National Water Programme' has been developed, which is currently in the process of adoption. It will guide the development of water basin management plans and the classification of water resources. The law will serve as the basis for integrated water resources management, and will support more efficient management and protection of water resources.
Because of the above-mentioned legal and institutional reforms, Armenia is one of the leaders in the region in the area of water resources management. The country is willing to share its experiences across the region and beyond.
Basic Project Information
Project
New Water Code, National Water Policy and National Water Program
Synopsis / Summary
On June 4th of 2002 the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia adopted a new Water Code. It calls for creation of a national water policy and contains significant provisions on planning and management of the water basins.
Location of Experience
UNDP's / Partner's Role
World Bank and USAID supported the process through their projects on Integrated Water Resources Management and Sustainabale Water Resources Management
Timeframe & Status
The World Bank project on Integrated Water Resources Management was active in 1999-2001, USAID's Sustainable Water Resources Management project from 2001-2005. The New Code was adopted in June 2004.
Contact
Armen Martirosyan, Portfolio Manager, Environmental Governance, UNDP Armenia
The Challenge (Need for Action)
Background
After collapse of the former Soviet Union and economic difficulties, water resources management in Armenia suffered a lot. Level of Lake Sevan was dropping due to overuse of lake's resources for generating hydropower. The overall management of water resources was weak, institutions were weaken, and management in general was unintegrated.
Weak coordination among various water sector agencies led to deterioration of situation, increased water losses, which threated with collapse of the entire system.
Goal and Objectives
The overall goal of the projects was to introduce integrated water resources management principles in the Republic of Armenia. Objectives to achieve the goal were set as improvement of water resources management through decentralization, strategic planning, increased capacities, and establishment of comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the sector.
The Solution (Description of Action Taken)
What
Integrated Water Resources Management was an innovate approach for Armenia to tackle water management issues. It does include social, economic and environmental perspective taking into account the interests of all sectors.
In additiona to this, emphasis on decentralized and democratic water governance system was also prerogative for success. Although this process is still underway, but the positive results can be seen now.
All this is supplemented by increased public participation and more active role of civil society in decision making, which increases efficieny and transparency of water sector management in the country.
Who & Where
The main stakeholders included Ministry of Nature Protection through its various agencies, State Committee on Water System, Public Services Regulatory Commission, Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Education and Science, National Assembly, Local-Self Government Authorities, as well as representative of NGOs and community-based organizations.
The geographic area covered by the project included the entire country with a special attention to local communities, as transition to decentralized management of water resources is undertaken.
When
Reforms in water sector in Armenia were initiated since 1999. In 2002 new Water Code was adopted, in 2005 - Fundamental Provisions on National Wate Policy, and in 2006 - draft National Water Program. These reforms enabled creation of comprehensive legal and institutional framework for integrated water resources management in the country.
How
The process of reforming legal and institutional framework for water management in Armenia was initiatied with active participation of all stakeholders organizations. Active public participation was also key to the buy-in local local stakeholders.
The advantages of integrated river basin management were explained and discussed. Particularly such approach promotes decisions on water distribution based on water supply rather than on demand, creates basis for estbalishment of the state water cadaster information system, obliges decision makers to provide water use permits based on available information, and makes it possible to employ economic instruments to cover water mangement costs.
