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A new report [1] assessing the state of China's Yellow River could provide answers to the critical water
management problems facing the country's 2nd longest river. The assessment carried out by researchers
from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Yellow River Conservancy
Commission (YRCC), was presented at the International Yellow River Forum in Zhenghzou City from
21-24 Oct 2003.
The Forum signalled the start of a renewed international commitment to revive the
Yellow River. The report was carried out as part of the Comprehensive Assessment of Water
Management in Agriculture, an international research programme. The findings highlight the four major
challenges currently facing the river: increased water scarcity; degraded environment; massive soil
conservation needs; and constant flood threats. "Water scarcity is now the number one priority in the
Yellow River. Given the growing supply and demand imbalance in the basin, it is difficult, if not
impossible, to meet water demands from one sector without decreasing supplies to another. Hard choices
must be made," said Dr. David Molden, Head of the Comprehensive Assessment.
[1] Zhongping Zhu ... [et al.] (2003). Yellow River comprehensive assessment : basin features and
issues. (Working paper / IWMI ; no. 57). Battaramulla, Sri Lanka, International Water Management
Institute. 26 p. ISBN 92-9090-525-5. http://www.iwmi.cgiar.org/pubs/working/WOR57.pdf
Contact: Dr. David Molden, IWMI, d.molden@cgiar.org
Source: IWMI, 27 Oct 2003,
Yellow River Forum, http://www.yrcc.gov.cn/2003iyrf.htm
Keywords
Water resources management, reuse of water
Water quality, water treatment
Policy and legislation
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