Editor's Note Ahead of the UN 2023 Water Conference, a three-day gathering that will start on Wednesday, World Water Day, Li Guoying, minister of Water Resources, talks about China's endeavors to enhance water management and promote international cooperation in an exclusive interview with China Daily reporter.
How would you comment on the achievements China has made in water resource management over the past 10 years?
China has made remarkable achievements in water resource management over the past 10 years.
First, the national capability to conserve water resources and use them efficiently has continued to improve. Despite an average annual economic growth rate of about 6 percent, China's annual water consumption has been maintained below 610 billion cubic meters.
▲Workers clean up rubbish on Dianchi Lake in Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan province. [Photo/Xinhua]
Second, the allocation of water resources has continued to improve. The annual water supply capacity nationwide is in excess of 890 billion cubic meters.
Thirdly, the capacity for the environmental protection and governance of rivers and lakes has improved. We have implemented the River Chief System (a network of leading officials responsible for overseeing the conditions of specific bodies of water), launched the "Mother River" restoration program and controlled the excessive exploitation of groundwater. More and more water bodies and river basins have been rejuvenated. Many rivers that were previously dry for extended periods of time once again flow.
Fourthly, as China strives to provide household water security to rural areas, 87 percent of the rural population now has access to tap water, up 11 percentage points from 2015. These accomplishments have happened because we pursue a people-centered development philosophy and always see public aspirations for a better life as our goal.
We also follow natural law, prioritize environmental protection and green development and implement new development concepts accurately and completely. We balance the relationship between development and protection, and endeavor to promote harmony between people and water resources.
We follow the rule of law in water governance and reform and innovation, and make a consistent effort to improve water-related laws and regulations, such as the Yangtze River Protection Law.
LI MIN/CHINA DAILY
How would you evaluate the historical significance of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project? What experiences are worth sharing with the international community?
As the largest cross-river basin water transfer project in the world, construction of the project officially began in December 2002 after half a century of planning and assessment. As of December 2014, the first phases of the East and Middle Routes have become operational. To date, they have transferred 60.5 billion cubic meters of water, directly benefiting more than 150 million people.
The project has led to the accumulation of valuable experience in implementing major cross-basin water transfer projects:
First, the importance of adhering to the national plan, with local interests subordinate to the overall situation.
Second, the importance of concentrating resources to accomplish great things by promoting the project at the central level and concentrating on securing elements such as funding and land use, as well as coordinating resettlement of those displaced by construction. Third, the importance of respecting law, scientifically and prudently demonstrating proposals, and emphasizing environmental protection. In addition, the importance of emphasizing both willpower and a balance between humans and water resources.
Fourth, the importance of taking a holistic approach to planning, taking into account the conditions in the four major river basins of the Yangtze, Huaihe, Yellow and Haihe rivers, as well as the demands of regions and industries.
Fifth, the importance of focusing on both water conservation and pollution control.
And sixth, the importance of accurately and precisely regulating water transfers, hammering out detailed water allocation plans and accurately dispatching water from the source to users.
