By Sun Zhiyan & Shi Shujie, Department of Development Strategy and Regional Economy, DRC

Research Report, No.317, 2020 (Total 6061) 2020-12-30

Abstract: The current policy formulated in 1987 for the allocation of Yellow River basin water resources can no longer adapt to the development changes of different areas or meet the strategic needs of ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin. It is imperative to establish a more effective mechanism for water resources allocation, in a bid to better realize the economic, social and ecological functions of water resources and advance them to a higher level. This paper suggests that the strategic need of serving the Yellow River ecological protection and high-quality development be made a core target. In water resources allocation, ecological recovery should be made clearly a top priority, the maximization of public interests a basic principle, and the fulfillment of water demand for the main functions of all areas a benchmark in allocation. The blockchain technology is needed in forming a unified, intelligent and dynamic mechanism for water resources allocation across the whole basin, in order to turn around from the traditional way of allocation based on administrative regional divisions. Water resources allocation policy also needs to be coordinated with policy tools such as plans, fiscal arrangements and land so as to bring into better play the instructive and restrictive role of water allocation in ecological preservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin.

Keywords: ecological protection of the Yellow River basin, high-quality development, water resources allocation