Sonja Heldt

IWRM in a country under rapid transition: lessons learnt from the Kharaa River Basin, Mongolia

Abstract Since it is representative in terms of environmental and socioeconomic conditions, the Kharaa River Basin in Northern Mongolia was chosen as a Central Asian model region for the development and implementation of a science-based IWRM approach. While a highly continental climate results in limited water availability, the combined effects of climate and land use changes and rising water consumption are likely to intensify quantitative and qualitative water scarcity. In such a context, water contamination due to deficient treatment of domestic, industrial and mining-related waste waters is particularly critical, putting at risk human health and aquatic ecosystems. In the recent past, water governance structures in transitional countries like Mongolia have not permitted to respond effectively to such complex challenges. For the model region of the Kharaa River Basin, considerable improvements in the scientific basis are currently coinciding with political reforms incorporating science-based river basin management as a guiding principle. This paper provides an integrative assessment of recent advancements which form the scientific basis for a future IWRM implementation in the region.

Modular Concept for Municipal Water Management in the Kharaa River Basin, Mongolia

Mongolia is a country with limited water resources but a rising water consumption due to an increasing population, urbanization and economic growth, which is largely driven by a booming mining sector. These processes do not only lead to greater water abstractions, but also contribute to water quality and aquatic ecosystem deterioration. Urban areas play a key role in this context, since water abstractions and waste water generation are concentrated here. However, there are considerable disparities between urban centers with centralized water supply and sewage infrastructures and peri-urban regions. Where existant, infrastructures for drinking water supply and wastewater collection and treatment are often in a poor state of maintenance, leading to the contamination of groundwater and surface water bodies with pathogens, nutrients, and other chemical substances. This paper presents components of a modular concept for urban water management at the example of Darkhan Uul Aimag, which were developed and pilot-tested in the context of a project aiming at the development and implementation of an integrated water resources management (IWRM) for the North Mongolian Kharaa River Basin. It is discussed how solutions were adapted to local situations, considering both sustainable resource utilization and local acceptance.

From information to participation and self-organization: Visions for European river basin management

The European Union Water Framework Directive (EU WFD, 2000) calls for active inclusion of the public in the governance of waterbodies to enhance the effectiveness and legitimacy of water management schemes across the EU. As complex socio-ecological systems, river basins in western Europe could benefit from further support for inclusive management schemes. This paper makes use of case studies from Germany, England and Spain to explore the potential opportunities and challenges of different participatory management approaches. Grounded in theoretical considerations around participation within ecological management schemes, including Arnsteins Ladder of Participation and commons theories, this work provides an evaluation of each case study based on key indicators, such as inclusivity, representativeness, self-organization, decision-making power, spatial fit and temporal continuity. As investors and the public develop a heightened awareness for long-term sustainability of industrial projects, this analysis supports the suggestion that increased participatory river basin management is both desirable and economically feasible, and should thus be considered a viable option for future projects aiming to move beyond current requirements of the European Union Water Framework Directive.