WATER KNOWLEDGE NOTE

MAY 2019

Evaluating and Realizing the Value
of Water in the Construction of an
Ecological Civilization for China
The World Bank and the Development Research Center of the
State Council are collaborating on an exciting new initiative to
provide an evidence-based framework for identifying, evaluating and
realizing the value of water. This is part of broader support to
the construction of an ecological civilization in China.
As China transitions from a traditional growth
model to high-quality green development, there
is a renewed focus on resource efficiency,
environmental sustainability and ecological
conservation. Water is central to this
transition and the realization of an
ecological civilization. Despite being
the world’s second-largest economy
and most populous country, China
possesses only six percent of the
world’s freshwater, with the availability
per capita only one-fourth of the
global average. President Xi Jinping has
re-affirmed the importance of water and
provided clear direction in emphasizing the
“priority on water-saving, spatial equilibrium,
systematic governance, and the combined efforts of
government and the market.”
                                                                      © Marcus Wishart/World Bank.
Water carries multiple values and meanings. While universal                improving the underlying methods for valuing water. These
access to safe water and sanitation is a cornerstone of socio-             can help balance the multiple uses and services provided by
economic development, such values may also be cultural,                    water and inform decisions about the allocation of water to
spiritual, economic, environmental, ecological or social                   maximise well-being.
and found in the heritage of water in language, norms and
artefacts. Valuing water therefore requires recognizing the
full range of direct and indirect benefits, along with the                   The identification, evaluation and realization of the value
risks associated with water.                                                 of water in support of the construction of an ecological
                                                                             civilization in China is being pursued through four
In response to the increasing pressures on the world’s water                 phases.
resources, the United Nations and the World Bank Group
                                                                             Phase 1 is aimed at systematically identifying the values
convened a High Level Panel on Water (HLPW) to provide
                                                                             associated with water, from economic, ecological,
a New Agenda for Water Action. The HLPW urges a new
                                                                             environmental, social, cultural and related aspects.
approach to understanding, valuing and managing water.
In support of the water-related goals of the 2030 Agenda                     Phase 2 is aimed at adopting methodologies for
for Sustainable Development, the HLPW articulates:                           evaluating the values associated with water in support of
(i) a foundation for action; (ii) leading an integrated                      the construction of an ecological civilization, including a
agenda at the local, country and regional levels; and (iii)                  series of case studies.
catalyzing change, building partnerships and international
                                                                             Phase 3 is aimed at developing agreed mechanisms and
cooperation at the global level. Specifically, the HLPW
                                                                             models for realizing the value of water and supporting
recommends:
                                                                             the construction of an ecological civilization.
(i)	 Recognize and Embrace Water’s Multiple Values.
                                                                             Phase 4 is aimed at disseminating the outcomes along
(ii)	 Reconcile Values and Build Trust.
                                                                             with experiences and examples of identifying, evaluating
(iii)	Protect the Sources.
                                                                             and realizing the value of water.
(iv)	 Educate to Empower.
(v)	 Invest and Innovate.                                                    An Advisory Committee of eminent experts in the
                                                                             relevant fields will provide strategic guidance and advice
Making all the values of water explicit gives recognition to
                                                                             during implementation, while a Steering Committee
dimensions that are easily overlooked. This requires more
                                                                             comprised of representatives from relevant government
than the traditional cost-benefit analyses and is necessary
                                                                             ministries and agencies, along with representatives from
to make collective decisions and trade-offs. Identifying,
                                                                             the World Bank, will oversee implementation of the
evaluating and realizing the value of water in the
                                                                             various activities.
construction of an ecological civilization for China means



For more information please contact: Dr. Marcus Wishart (mwishart@worldbank.org) or Dr. Gu Shuzhong (2013735800@qq.com).



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