Application of regional strategic environmental assessment to integrated water resources management plan in Afghanistan : a case study of the Amu Darya Basin | |
| Author | Hakim, Abdul |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.EV-12-01 |
| Subject(s) | Environmental impact analysis Afghanistan Amu Darya Basin Water resources management Afghanistan Amu Darya Basin |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering and Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The present study endeavored to explore the conceptual underpinnings of the application of regional strategic environmental assessment (R-SEA) approach to integrated water resources management (IWRM), viewed as an appropriate strategical framework for water resources protection in the North Afghanistan portion of Amu Darya basin. The study consists of three parts, namely: (i) an analysis of a domestic case of Balkhab River basin (N. Afghanistan) IWRM plan and an international case of Colorado River basin (USA) water supply and demand study, (ii) establishment of a framework for an integrated R-SEA approach and IWRM planning for the Amu Darya basin, and (iii) formulation of policy and institutional options that are deemed essential to enable the integration of SEA in the national water strategy of Afghanistan. A reconnaissance of transversal issues (e.g. environmental degradation, biodiversity conservation, economic sustainability, climate change impacts, etc.) has been made as well, leading to a number of messages that need further elaboration and discussion. In the study of Balkh River basin IWRM plan as well as water management practices in both Kunduz and Balkh River basins, a number of opportunities and challenges were identified. First is the need for better understanding and awareness of IWRM benefits among the stakeholders in these areas. Second is the proposition that the Mirab system, the most common and widespread irrigation system of operation for centuries, is an inevitable element of IWRM implementation. The Mirab can extend its water management mandate to encompass environmental protection beyond water resources thereby encompassing issues which contribute to water and nature conservation. Third is the need for active involvement of and provision of assistance from the National Environmental Protection Agency to sufficiently address environmental degradation among the river basins of Afghanistan. On the other hand, whereas the Colorado River basin with an annual mean water flow equaling the combined flow of Northern Afghan Rivers (i.e. Kunduz, Kokcha, etc.) supports an area inhabited by 30 million inhabitants engaged in intensive agriculture and industries, the same Afghan rivers currently support only 9 million mainly agriculture-based inhabitants. This reflects insufficient resources and the need for appropriate strategies to fully harness the potential for multi-sectorial use of water resources in said areas. The history and the present state of water resources management in the Colorado River Basin (S.W. USA) demonstrates numerous successes and pitfalls from which Afghan environmental protection may learn to ensure sustainability. Regarding an integrated R-SEA and IWRM, at first glance it is apparent that both share similar sustainability principles. Nevertheless, whereas environmental integration into decisions is the central objective of SEA, it is not a central concern of IWRM. Evidence suggest that IWRM itself is only being implemented slowly and piecemeal in developing countries and that environmental issues are not being effectively incorporated into water resources decision making systematically through this paradigm. Consequently, the river basin programs in Afghanistan need to focus on SEA and R-SEA as potential tools to allow the principles of sustainability to carry better policies for IWRM individual projects. To facilitate this, an enabling environment that encompass policy, institutional, and technological aspects was elaborated. |
| Year | 2012 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Environmental Engineering and Management (EV) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shipin, Oleg V.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Preeda Pakpian;Vilas Nitivattananon; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2012 |