Transboundary river management for the Kura river - Phase II

Reinforces regional cooperation in monitoring and managing water resources in the Kura river basin, through training, capacity strengthening, streamlining data collection, information and know-how exchanges

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia

Timeframe: 2008–2011

Budget: €4.0 million + €1.2 million for equipment

Objectives

It aims to improve the water quality in the Kura River basin through trans-boundary cooperation and implementation of the integrated water resources management approach. The project supports the development of a common monitoring and information management system to improve transboundary cooperation and enhances the capacities of environmental authorities and monitoring establishments engaged in long-term integrated water resources management in the Kura River basin.
 
 
What does it do?
 
Under component 1 (assessment and surveys), a report on the baseline situation in the Kura River basin was prepared, using existing data and based on a European Environment Agency model, It shows that Armenia and Azerbaijan are under severe water stress, underlining the need for a transboundary river management approach. Under component 2 (monitoring), four joint river monitoring exercises per year are carried out, which include joint sampling and analysis on sites and parallel analyses in each laboratory. This builds confidence and improves the capabilities of the laboratories.
 
Component 3 (management information and methodology) foresees the development of a common GIS database platform for information management and data exchange. Furthermore, river basin management plans according to the methodology of the EU Water Framework Directive are prepared for five smaller pilot sub-basins. Within component 4 (institutional capacity and training), a study tour to Spain and Denmark was organized for 15 professionals to learn about the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. Moreover, the directive itself as well as key guiding documents were translated into the three main Caucasus languages. Under component 5 (public engagement and civil society), a video film, a booklet and guidelines for public participation are prepared to describe the Kura river basin environmental problems, introduce the integrated river basin management approach and increase civil society involvement.
 
The project is supported by a parallel supply of laboratory equipment for biological and chemical water analysis including the provision of boats and off-road cars for sampling in remote regions.

Actions in brief

 

  • Holds training and workshops in monitoring and river basin management.
  • Organises study tour to Europe on the implementation of Water Framework Directive.
  • Carries out quarterly monitoring missions with laboratories from all three Caucasus countries.
  • Prepares a baseline report and river basin management plans for selected sub-basins
  • Translates major EU directives and guidelines.
  • Prepares communication and public participation tools.

http://www.kuraarasbasin.net/

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