19.3 Water Resources Policy After 1980
445
of the strategy, which consisted of a total water-use control system, a water-use
efficiency control system, a water function zone pollutant control system, and a water
resources management responsibility and assessment system (State Council 2011).
In 2012, the State Council issued “Opinions on Implementing the Strictest Water
Resources Management Strategy” (State Council 2012). The Opinions clarified the
main objectives of the three redlines, developed detailed management instruments,
arranged the work tasks, and fulfilled responsibility and assessment system (Hu
2012). In 2013, the Office of the State Council issued “Assessment Methods to
Implement the Strictest Water Resources Management Strategy”, which detailed
assessment organizations, procedures, contents, and indicators for each province
in 2015, 2020, and 2030 (Office of the State Council 2013). Additionally, local
governments issued numerous documents and policies similar to those issued at the
central level to guide implementation of the strategy within their jurisdictions.
At the top political level, challenged by increasing resource restraints, severe
environmental pollution, and ecological degradation, the 18th National Congress
of the CPC developed eco-civilization construction with the concept of “respecting
nature, conforming to nature, and protecting nature”, which had to be incorporated
into all aspects and processes of political, economic, social, and cultural development,
to develop a beautiful China (Hu 2012). The strategy requires the promotion of
resource saving and environmental protection as national policy and insists on saving
first, protection first, and a natural restoration-focused policy. In 2017, the 19th
National Congress of the CPC developed the strategy of harmonious coexistence of
man and nature (Xi 2017).
In early 2014, the water strategy of “water-saving first, spatial balancing, systematic management, and both-hand (market and government) functioning” was developed by the central government to deal with new water issues. Although total wateruse stop increase at that time, the new strategy put water-saving ahead of other
projects in water resource considerations. The strategy recognizes the importance
of balance between water resources and socio-economic development; the source
of most water problems; and the inter-linking among factors in an ecosystem, such
as mountains, water, land, and forests. The strategy requires the application of both
governmental and market mechanisms in considering the nature of the water sector
in China.
In 2014, following the national policy to deepen reform, the MWR issued “Guidance to Deepen Water Sector Reform”. The Guidance required to fasten governmental
function transform and made the market play a decisive role in resource allocation.
In the public-interest, in describing the fundamental and strategic roles of the water
sector, the Guidance insisted that the water sector should be developed mainly by the
government, but more extensive roles could be played by the market. Then the document listed the key areas to be reformed, including water administrative functions,
institutions, water pricing and water markets, river course management, investment,
water infrastructure construction and management institutions, rural water resources
management, and water legislation. Some tasks are outside of the functions of the
MWR (2014).
445
of the strategy, which consisted of a total water-use control system, a water-use
efficiency control system, a water function zone pollutant control system, and a water
resources management responsibility and assessment system (State Council 2011).
In 2012, the State Council issued “Opinions on Implementing the Strictest Water
Resources Management Strategy” (State Council 2012). The Opinions clarified the
main objectives of the three redlines, developed detailed management instruments,
arranged the work tasks, and fulfilled responsibility and assessment system (Hu
2012). In 2013, the Office of the State Council issued “Assessment Methods to
Implement the Strictest Water Resources Management Strategy”, which detailed
assessment organizations, procedures, contents, and indicators for each province
in 2015, 2020, and 2030 (Office of the State Council 2013). Additionally, local
governments issued numerous documents and policies similar to those issued at the
central level to guide implementation of the strategy within their jurisdictions.
At the top political level, challenged by increasing resource restraints, severe
environmental pollution, and ecological degradation, the 18th National Congress
of the CPC developed eco-civilization construction with the concept of “respecting
nature, conforming to nature, and protecting nature”, which had to be incorporated
into all aspects and processes of political, economic, social, and cultural development,
to develop a beautiful China (Hu 2012). The strategy requires the promotion of
resource saving and environmental protection as national policy and insists on saving
first, protection first, and a natural restoration-focused policy. In 2017, the 19th
National Congress of the CPC developed the strategy of harmonious coexistence of
man and nature (Xi 2017).
In early 2014, the water strategy of “water-saving first, spatial balancing, systematic management, and both-hand (market and government) functioning” was developed by the central government to deal with new water issues. Although total wateruse stop increase at that time, the new strategy put water-saving ahead of other
projects in water resource considerations. The strategy recognizes the importance
of balance between water resources and socio-economic development; the source
of most water problems; and the inter-linking among factors in an ecosystem, such
as mountains, water, land, and forests. The strategy requires the application of both
governmental and market mechanisms in considering the nature of the water sector
in China.
In 2014, following the national policy to deepen reform, the MWR issued “Guidance to Deepen Water Sector Reform”. The Guidance required to fasten governmental
function transform and made the market play a decisive role in resource allocation.
In the public-interest, in describing the fundamental and strategic roles of the water
sector, the Guidance insisted that the water sector should be developed mainly by the
government, but more extensive roles could be played by the market. Then the document listed the key areas to be reformed, including water administrative functions,
institutions, water pricing and water markets, river course management, investment,
water infrastructure construction and management institutions, rural water resources
management, and water legislation. Some tasks are outside of the functions of the
MWR (2014).