The notion of river basin management, by focusing on a spatial unit (the river basin), goes beyond the usual sectoral management of water. The use of the river basin as a territorial management unit lies at the heart of the EU Water Framework Directive. The level of decentralisation provided by river basin management makes it possible to deal with local water challenges that can be tackled less effectively by a central state administration. By taking into account the needs of different water users as well as the balance between the economy (uses) and ecosystems (protection), management at the river basin level provides for equal access to water and the sustainability of water resources in the long-term.
Armenia has prepared management plans for almost all of its 6 river basin districts: Ararat, Southern, Akhuryan (officially adopted in 2016 and 2017), Sevan and Hrazdan (adoption process underway). Only one is not covered by a management plan: the Northern River Basin. The EU4Environment Water and Data programme supports the development of a river basin management plan for the Northern River basin district.
Water quantity issues and water allocation aspects are among the top priorities of the water management authorities in Armenia. This is why the EU4Environment Water and Data programme supports the development of a pilot quantitative water resources management plan for the Qasakh sub-basin.
Armenia has not decided yet on whether to create dedicated basin councils to ensure the implementation of such plans, or on their roles and responsibilities. The EU4Environment Water and Data programme focuses on reinforcing the capacity of existing Basin Management Organisations.
