News
Government of Georgia approves the draft law on ‘’Water Resources Management’’
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, with the engagement of international experts developed a draft Law of Georgia on ‘’Water Resources Management’’, aiming to create a legal basis for implementation of a unified state policy in the protection and use of water resources in the country.
The draft law is in compliance with the EU water legislation and reflects approaches and requirements of the main EU directives.
Establishment of river basin management system, water use priorities determined by the river basin / basin areas, restoration of permit system for water abstraction from the surface water body, restoration of collection of fees from surface water bodies, including authorized bodies, competences in the field of protection and use of water resources and other related issues are stipulated by the respective draft law.
Implementation of state policy of water resources management encompasses following activities: establishment of boundaries of water bodies / basin boundaries / basin district boundaries, development of river basin management plans in compliance with the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive.
Management of river basins will be based on the river / basin management plans. National Environmental Agency will implement the river basin management. The Consulting -Coordinating Councils for basin management will be established, which will embrace representatives of community , major water users, municipalities within the basin district.
Implementation of the norms established by the draft law will be ensured on the whole territory of Georgia:
Harmonization of Georgian legislation with the EU legislation in the water sector will contribute to the environmental protection and strengthen the legal framework for sustainable development of the country, consequently, it will ensure optimal reliance on economic and environmental interests of the public.