The “Time of Water” platform was launched in Kyiv to update Ukraine’s water resources management
The first stage of the “Time of Water” project has begun in Kyiv, a platform for discussing new approaches to water resources management and the development of water use economics in Ukraine. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Economy.
Representatives of state bodies, science, business, and international organizations joined the discussion. The participants focused on the modernization of the water sector, attracting investments in infrastructure and implementing European water management standards.
The event discussed practical steps necessary to renew the industry, increase its investment attractiveness and form modern economic approaches to water use. Separately, the development of integrated water resources management, strengthening interdepartmental cooperation and finding solutions to overcome key problems in the industry were discussed. Among them are water pollution, water shortages, infrastructure destruction, the consequences of climate change and conflicts between different groups of water users.
Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Iryna Ovcharenko emphasized during the opening that Ukraine is already consistently moving towards the implementation of the European model of water resources management.
According to her, the basic prerequisites for this have already been created: river basin management plans have been developed, water management zoning has been carried out, water management balances and basin councils have been formed. These tools should ensure the participation of all stakeholders in decision-making in the water sector.
At the same time, she emphasized that strategic documents alone are not enough for changes, because the water sector requires significant investments. First of all, this concerns the implementation of measures envisaged in river basin management plans, a significant part of which is related to the modernization and reconstruction of treatment infrastructure.
The ministry is also working on a new model for covering the cost of water services, which is based on the “polluter pays” principle provided for by the EU Water Framework Directive. Achieving good ecological status of waters, in particular through the renovation of treatment facilities, is considered one of the key elements of fulfilling the requirements of this directive.
The participants paid special attention to the draft law on the creation of operators of land reclamation systems, which is currently awaiting the signature of the President of Ukraine. It is expected that its implementation will contribute to the renewal of land reclamation infrastructure, strengthening the environmental component of water use and increasing the efficiency of water resources use.
According to the participants in the discussion, the modernization of such systems will make it possible to reduce water losses, reduce energy consumption and reduce the volume of water withdrawal from natural sources. In addition, the new approach may open access to financial and investment instruments for the further development of the industry.
It was also emphasized that Ukraine, together with Germany, agreed on new steps to strengthen cooperation in the field of climate policy and “green” reconstruction. This includes, in particular, adaptation to climate change, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, waste management, nature protection, water resources and the implementation of European environmental standards.
