France and China sign agreement for integrated water resources management in the Haihe River pilot basin and its sub-basins

This agreement follows the one signed in December 2009 between the Chinese Ministry of Water Resources and the French Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development, to develop cooperation in areas of common interest for the Integrated Management and Protection of Water Resources.

After several exploration missions conducted by both China and France throughout the year 2010, the Haihe River basin was selected for a pilot cooperation project between the two countries. The Haihe River is over 318,000 km2 long and covers four provinces and two large municipalities.

In order to face its water challenges China has undertaken major infrastructural constructions and is in the process of modernising its water management methods.

In this context, the Chinese government is developing a number of international collaborations, with the European Union and Member States amongst others.

Access to water has become one of the major issues that China has had to face. For a fifth of the world’s population China owns only 7% the earth’s water resources.

Read the full original press release (in French)

Back to list