National Strategy for the efficient use of water resources.

The National Strategy for the efficient use of water resources is a national policy which has been drafted in accordance with the Presidential Decree No 2178 of 2020. The main goals of the National Strategy are to ensure water security in the country, increase its sustainability, and establish a modern water management system. The timeframe of the National Strategy is 16 years covering the period from 2024 to 2040. The priority areas of the policy are as follows: (i) improving the water resources assessment and forecasting system, (ii) effective management of water resources, (iii) efficient use of water resources, (iv) water security, and (v) utilization of the water resources potential of the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions.
Water resources will be further improved by conducting complex hydrological and hydrogeological research, expanding and updating hydrological, hydrogeological and meteorological monitoring stations, creating an electronic water atlas based on geographic information systems (GIS), and increasing the functional capabilities of the electronic water management information system. The resilience of water resources to the impacts of climate change will be increased through the evaluation of data using modern software and forecasting climate impacts and assessment of the long-term impact of climate change on the water level in the Caspian Sea. Risks on water sources will be simulated and digitalized by applying various technologies.
Water resources management will be advanced by ensuring the transition to a unified water resources management system in the country, developing institutional mechanisms for the transition to a management system for water basins and water resources, and increasing the role of municipalities in water resources management and improving the activities of water users associations. The legal frameworks on the application of the basin principle and inter-basin water transfer models in integrated water resources management will be improved. River basin and groundwater management plans will be developed. The National Strategy addresses ecosystem sustainability in integrated water resources management. Water use from subartesian and artesian wells will be managed in an effective manner. Business plans will be prepared for attracting international financial organizations to invest in projects in the field of water use and protection. Public-private partnerships will be developed. Tariff regulations will be updated for paid water use among various consumers.
Water losses will be reduced by improving the state water accounting system, ensuring full metering in drinking water supply, metering in water for irrigation purposes, and preventing water losses in water for drinking and irrigation purposes. Water resources will be increased by creating new water reservoirs and conducting research on increasing the exploitation reserve of groundwater. Alternative water sources will be created through desalination of sea water, recovery and reconstruction of aquifer systems, purification and utilization of highly mineralized groundwater, processing and reuse of collector, drainage and wastewater, and utilization of rainwater. Water infrastructure will be improved, with an emphasis on water supply for drinking and irrigation purposes, energy production and other areas, taking into account the impacts of climate change. Consumer participation will be promoted in the efficient and economical use of water. Measures will be taken to meet water demands.
Interstate and international cooperation on the management, joint use and protection of transboundary and transit waters, will be expanded. Protective measures will be taken against pollution and depletion of transboundary waters. The protection of water resources will be strengthened by taking measures to combat illegal interference with water and water management facilities and illegal use of water, and to prevent pollution. Water quality will be ensured through standardization, monitoring system, and the use of innovative water treatment and neutralization technologies. Climate change adaptation will be ensured to improve land reclamation, increase crop productivity, and meet the consumer's water needs. Measures will be taken to cope with flood, desertification and pollution, and early warning systems will be established.
Smart water systems will be established in Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. Hydropower potential of rivers will be assessed to use them for energy production. Water resources potential will be explored and inter-basin water transfer will be carried out in these regions.