Ministry of Waterways and Environment Strategic Plan 2020-2024.

This Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Waterways and Environment is a national policy covering the period from 2020 and 2024. The strategic objectives of this policy are to (I) build resilience to climate change and waterways related hazards through irrigation, improved drainage, flood control, riverbank, and coastal protection, and (II) enable reliable environment regulator and trusted leader in environmental policy and practice.
Sustainable management of waterways and watersheds will be ensured by harmonizing the legal and policy frameworks and developing them on sustainable irrigation, coastal protection, flood management, and drainage system. The resilience to climate change-induced waterways hazards will be increased through the integration of ecosystem-based approach in coastal erosion, catchment management, flood protection, and riverbank stabilization. Measures will be taken to reduce flood and coastal inundation risks to communities for the protection of life and property. Land use will be improved through better irrigation and improved drainage, and this will help to promote equal opportunities for rural communities, improve their access to basic services and build resilient communities, as well as to stimulate economic activities in peri-urban and rural areas. Innovative ways will be developed for funding water resource management and development.
The environment and its components including air, water, soil and ecosystems will be conserved through developed legal, strategic and policy frameworks. Conservation measures and actions will focus on the rational and sustainable utilization of natural resources and development and effective management of the environment. Environmental awareness will be raised to spread environmental culture. More innovative policies will be developed to mark the transition to a green economy and contributing to achieving sustainable development goals. The compliance with and enforcement of environmental and natural resources legislation and standards will be strengthened at all levels, and programs for the restoration of degraded fragile ecosystems will be developed and implemented through regular monitoring and enforcement. Risk reduction will be strengthened to promote economic, ecological and socio-cultural values of ecosystems and biodiversity, address hazardous waste, strengthen and develop national, regional and international partnerships and networks in environmental management, promote sustainable development, increase public awareness and support green economy. The latest innovations in environmental technology will be assessed and the latest environmental research will be followed both locally and internationally to provide sound environment management advice and develop informed environmental management policies.