Mr. Liu Shuji, Chair of GWP China Shaanxi, Mr. Li Peicheng, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Mr. Chen Jiazhen, Deputy Director of Policy-making Consulting Committee of Shaanxi Province participated in the Dialogue. Other participants include the representatives from Shaanxi Provincial Department of Water Resources, Ecological Society of Shaanxi Province, Chang’an University and Jinghui Canal Management Bureau.
Prior to this dialogue, the GWP China Shaanxi organized a consulting expert group in cooperation with Chang’an University and Jinghui Canal Management Bureau to carry out on-site surveys on irrigation areas in May and June this year. The experts visited four water stations that are considered to be the most representatives for the key issues of groundwater and surface water development and utilization and the farming patters adjustment in irrigation areas, such as dramatic decrease of groundwater levels too much centralized agricultural operations in particular area and overuse of water for integrated agricultural development etc.
The participants at the Dialogue put forward their suggestions on how to improve report on survey. They think, from the point of view of sustainable water resources utilization, that the complementation between groundwater and surface water plays key role in the scientific and rational development and utilization of water resources and is related to food security and full functioning of irrigation areas. The purpose of this survey is to lay the first stone for the study of irrigation areas by means of encouraging the involvement of local authorities and water users. Afterwards, it’s managed to carry out solutions against outstanding problems in order to inspire local people to participate in the actual implementation and attract more attention and support of the local governments. Finally, it’s expected to obtain the public opinion supports through media. It is planned to hold a high-level workshop on groundwater development and utilization in 2011. The public is the most powerful sources for advocating a rational development of ground and surface water in irrigation areas and better control of drought by protecting groundwater.
