China, People's Republic of: Xinjiang Kelamayi Ecological Forest Infrastructure

Agriculture, natural resources and rural development / Agricultural drainage - Irrigation - Land-based natural resources management - Water-based natural resources management

The future of Kelamayi Municipality largely relies on sustainable and efficient usage of surface water and groundwater, and increased reuse of treated wastewater. Surface water resources from two small rivers are derived from snowmelt from the area near the Tarbagatai and Saur mountain ranges during the period of April to August. Since 2008, the city receives water from the international Irtysh River, through the Irtysh Kelamayi Canal. The KMG has constructed two large reservoirs, Ayi-Kule and San-Pin, which are used for domestic, industrial, and agricultural water use. Groundwater resources in Kelamayi are limited, and in certain areas saline.

Critical to the municipality's continued development is the implementation of strategies that increase water conservation and water use efficiency for the agricultural sector, one of the largest water users in Kelamayi. The KMG plans to reduce usage of raw water by (i) increasing the use of treated wastewater, and (ii) adapting more appropriate agroforestry practices for the area. The KMG has issued multiple policy documents and regulations that embrace environmentally sustainable economic growth as essential to improving urban living conditions in the city. The Kelamayi Central Urban Area Master Plan 2010 2020 sets out principles for water reuse that support this development. Those principles are the foundation for the Kelamayi water sector plans.

Moreover, the KMG recognizes the need to introduce better incentives for agricultural enterprises and local farmers to strengthen the value chain to improve the quality of the agricultural products. Implementation of the envisaged inclusive development approach, together with improved water use efficiency, would demonstrate how responsible agroforestry production can be achieved in the agricultural development zones under scarce water conditions.

Government policy and ADB's country strategy. The proposed project is consistent with the PRC's long-term goal to ensure that environmental resources and peoples livelihoods are not undermined by rapid urban and economic development. The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party Congress in November 2013 emphasized the importance of eco-civilization and the application of red-lines to halt environmental degradation. The PRC government has now included sustainable management of scarce water resources as a performance indicator for local governments, and emphasized the need to strengthen eco-civilization approaches as part of the local development planning.

The proposed project is also in line with ADB's country partnership strategy, 2011 2015 for the PRC in supporting the government's overarching strategic goal by focusing on inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth. The project will contribute to ADB's Water Operational Plan 2011 2020 by demonstrating: (i) increased water use efficiencies across the range of users, (ii) integrated water resources management, and (iii) expanded knowledge and capacity development that uses technology and innovation more directly. The project is expected to promote sound management practices for the conservation and re-use of water resources, and introduce sustainable agroforestry in Kelamayi Municipality. The proposed project is included in ADB's lending pipeline as 2016 firm for the PRC. Project loan is proposed as financing modality of the project.