Non-renewable groundwater resources: a ... - unesdoc - Unesco

NON-RENEWABLE GROUNDWATER RESOURCESTable 8. Planning scenarios and key management instrumentsSCENARIO 1: PLANNED DEPLETION(Mining of the resource)SCENARIO 2: PLANNED RECOVERY(Rationalization scenario)(a)a depletion plan including an 'exit' strategy, i.e.,an indication of what to do the day after:- resorting to alternative water sources (conventionalor non-conventional);- relocating uses and users (wherever feasible).(a)a long-term stabilization or recoveryplan containing priorities as todemands that must be satisfied firstand the uses that must be scaleddown/ banned.(b)permits containing conditions as to:- well siting;- the depth of drilling;- abstraction rates;- abstraction volumes.(c) water charges to be so structured as to (at least)contribute to the cost of implementation of the exitstrategies.(b)(c)(d)(e)Zoning, based on aquifervulnerability.Sealing of certain wells.Permits containing conditions as to(as sub scenario 1).Demand management measures.Institutional aspectsThe successful implementation of the measures outlined above requires an institutional set-upfacilitating the management of non-renewable groundwater resources. This includes:● consistent policies,● legislation,● strategic management planning,● resource administration capability at government and decentralized levels,● an informed and participating groundwater users,● capacity for monitoring and assessment.At the national levelA single authorityThe ideal solution for addressing groundwater management issues at the national level would beto place the entire range of functions relevant to groundwater in the hands of a single ministryor authority, which should also be in charge of surface water. This, however, is not alwayspossible. In spite of the existence of a ‘water resources’ institution in a number of countries,many ministries and government agencies usually have a stake and a say in groundwater developmentand use.52An interministerial coordination mechanismTherefore, legislation provides in some cases for the participation of these stakeholders ingroundwater resources planning and management at the national level through interministerialcoordination mechanisms, such as a council, commission or committee. In Tunisia, for instance,a Water Council provides advice on all matters relating to policies and plans. In Algeria, a similarinstitution was created in 1996.