In a significant move towards sustainable water management, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced the launch of the “National Guideline for Assessing the Economic Value of Groundwater Resources in the UAE.” This initiative is a key outcome of a national study focused on analyzing the social, economic, and environmental dimensions associated with groundwater, emphasizing the importance of this vital resource.
Strategic Development of Water Resources
This guideline represents a strategic step in building a comprehensive federal framework for the management of groundwater, aiming to promote sustainable water usage based on knowledge and innovation. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s long-term policies designed to protect strategic natural assets and enhance the national system’s ability to respond to forthcoming environmental and climatic challenges, in line with national water security targets and the National Water Security Strategy 2036.
Scientific Framework for Groundwater Assessment
The guideline provides a scientific and operational framework for assessing groundwater resources, incorporating precise criteria that account for extraction levels, water quality, operational costs, soil types, availability of irrigation alternatives, and the impact of depletion on groundwater reserves. Moreover, it offers a flexible implementation mechanism tailored to the unique characteristics of each emirate, thereby enhancing the national framework and supporting competitiveness in the agricultural sector.
Recommendations for Improvement
Included within the guideline are practical recommendations aimed at developing legislation and processes related to groundwater usage. This encompasses enhancing monitoring efficiency, reducing waste, and updating national databases regarding groundwater reserves through partnerships with relevant federal and local authorities. The guideline advocates for adopting sustainable irrigation practices and utilizing alternative resources such as treated water and desalinated water, which can improve agricultural productivity while minimizing reliance on groundwater.
Building a Sustainable Water System
His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized that the issuance of this guideline marks a qualitative milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its water security. He noted that it establishes a national model based on the prudent management of natural resources with clear scientific and legislative foundations, ensuring a balanced approach that considers sustainable development needs.
Al Mazrouei also highlighted the strategic importance of water as a pillar of national security and a fundamental component of socio-economic development. The launch of this guideline is a response to the increasing environmental and climatic challenges, aiming to construct a comprehensive system capable of safeguarding groundwater reserves and enhancing the nation’s readiness for future scenarios. He affirmed that the national guideline will contribute to developing more accurate and fair assessment tools and encourage the shift towards sustainable irrigation techniques and effective alternatives, in support of the UAE’s vision to adopt innovative solutions that enhance water consumption efficiency and mitigate depletion, particularly in one of the most water-intensive sectors.