Ebook: Toward Integrated Water Resources Management in Armenia

The Republic of Armenia is facing a number of emerging challenges in the water sector. Though overall waterresource availability in the country is good, the country’s ability to monitor groundwater and surface water isdeteriorating, enforcement under the existing water permit system is weak, conflicts loom over water use inthe agriculturally important Ararat valley, and climate change continues to exert pressure. The performanceof the irrigation, hydropower, municipal, industrial, and environment sectors depends on the judicious andcoordinated wise use of the country’s water resources. Recognizing the importance of integrated waterresources management (IWRM), the government of Armenia has introduced over the last decade majorinstitutional and policy reforms. These reforms provide a strong legislative foundation and framework forensuring good management and development of water resources in the country. Despite this, furtherinstitutional strengthening is needed to fulfill the vision of this legislative framework.Toward Integrated Water Resources Management in Armenia identifies the challenges in the different watersubsectors, reviews the current institutional framework and implementation of relevant water-sectorpolicies, and makes recommendations for the next steps to strengthen water resources management in thecountry. The book’s overall goal is to provide guidance to the government and to donors to help enhanceArmenia’s future water security.