Good Water Governance for the Sustainable Development of the Arid and Semi-arid Areas of Northwest China

Water resources are of great importance for the sustainable development of the Arid and Semi-arid Areas of Northwest China. The theory of good water governance could provide inspirations for properly dealing with the water challenges of these areas. The integrated water resources management, the environmental water flow protection and the public participation are three major requirements of the good water governance. There are three major challenges for promoting the good water governance. The first is related to the clarification of the responsibilities of the water governance. The second is about balancing the diversified water needs. The third is about the optimal approach for improving the public participation. Three policy choices are proposed for promoting the good water governance. The integration of the water governance system, which emphasizes the four principles and the role of the basin management, could be a significant way of clarifying the responsibilities. Improving the water use efficiency could help the water supply for the ecological environment. The capacity building should be enhanced for facilitating the public participation.