BAKU—A significant collaborative report titled ‘Transitioning to Efficient Water Sector Institutions and Programs for Addressing Water Security Challenges’ was unveiled by the State Agency for Water Resources of Azerbaijan, the European Union (EU), and the World Bank (WB). The report focuses on enhancing water management and addressing the pressing water security challenges faced by Azerbaijan.
According to Trend News Agency, the report’s release coincides with substantial institutional reforms currently being implemented in Azerbaijan aimed at improving the water supply and sanitation services. One key goal of these reforms is to reduce the fragmentation and duplication of functions across various institutions managing the water sector in the country.
The importance of these reforms is underscored by Azerbaijan’s heavy reliance on transboundary water resources, which are influenced by the nation’s geographic and climatic conditions. Notably, 78 percent of Azerbaijan’s groundwater originates from the transboundary rivers Kura and Araz, which also traverse three neighboring states. With rising demand and the impacts of climate change, the report highlights a projected decrease in water availability, emphasizing the urgency of adopting sustainable water management practices.
The report is structured around two main themes: enhancing institutional efficiency in water service delivery and leveraging digital tools for water resources management. These sections provide a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening the institutional framework of the water sector to ensure effective service delivery. This includes models for sustainable drinking water and wastewater management, particularly in rural areas, and explores the use of digital tools for comprehensive water accounting, assessment, and management.
Additionally, the report was developed as part of the Azerbaijan Rapid Technical Assistance Facility (AZTAF) program, an initiative launched to assist the Azerbaijani government in meeting its socio-economic development goals outlined in the “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development” plan.