Toward Integrated Water Resources Management in Armenia (Directions in Development)

The Republic of Armenia is facing a number of emerging challenges in the water sector. Though overall water
resource availability in the country is good, the country’s ability to monitor groundwater and surface water is
deteriorating, enforcement under the existing water permit system is weak, conflicts loom over water use in
the agriculturally important Ararat valley, and climate change continues to exert pressure. The performance
of the irrigation, hydropower, municipal, industrial, and environment sectors depends on the judicious and
coordinated wise use of the country’s water resources. Recognizing the importance of integrated water
resources management (IWRM), the government of Armenia has introduced over the last decade major
institutional and policy reforms. These reforms provide a strong legislative foundation and framework for
ensuring good management and development of water resources in the country. Despite this, further
institutional strengthening is needed to fulfill the vision of this legislative framework.

Toward Integrated Water Resources Management in Armenia identifies the challenges in the different water
subsectors, reviews the current institutional framework and implementation of relevant water-sector
policies, and makes recommendations for the next steps to strengthen water resources management in the
country. The book’s overall goal is to provide guidance to the government and to donors to help enhance
Armenia’s future water security.