Water Resources Management Strategy

On January 24, 2026, the Water Resources Management Strategy until 2040, approved by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus, entered into force. This fundamental document is aimed at ensuring the country's long-term water security and sustainable use of water resources in the context of climate change and increasing pressures on the aquatic environment.

The Strategy takes into account international experience and national realities, and is focused on the integrated management of all categories of water resources – from drinking water to surface and groundwater, as well as aquatic ecosystems.

Main Goals and Principles

The main goal of the document is to achieve long-term water security for the Republic of Belarus for present and future generations. The strategy is based on the following principles:

1. Ensuring drinking water safety;
2. Ensuring water supply to economic sectors with due account for its efficient use;
3. Safe discharge of all types of wastewater into the environment with improved treatment quality;
4. Protection of the life and property of the population, as well as economic sectors, from natural emergencies caused by the negative impact of water.

Key Policy Directions

1. Centralized Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure

The Strategy envisages a significant expansion of access to centralized water supply and wastewater disposal systems. By 2040, it is planned to provide centralized water supply to about 96% of the population and wastewater disposal to about 83%. This will improve the quality of life for the population and strengthen sanitary and epidemiological safety.

1. Ecological Status of Water Bodies

One of the priorities is to improve the quality of surface water bodies – rivers, lakes, and wetlands. According to the document, by 2040, about 85% of water bodies should have a good or higher ecological status (reducing pollution, eutrophication, and depletion of water resources).

1. Monitoring and Management

The strategy envisages the development of modern water resource monitoring systems. Some hydrological posts will be equipped with automated systems for real-time observation, which will improve forecasting and operational response to adverse hydrological events.

1. Sustainable water use

The document includes measures to improve the efficiency of water use in all sectors of the economy (from industry to agriculture). The implementation of new technologies, optimization of water consumption, and reduction of losses are planned.

1. Development of navigation and land irrigation

The strategy addresses issues of inland waterway use: ensuring conditions for vessels with a draft of up to 2.5 m for 60% of the navigation season. It also plans to ensure water reserves for agricultural lands up to 600 thousand hectares under conditions of extreme drought.

Implementation Measures

To achieve the strategic objectives, a set of 35 specific measures has been formed in four key areas:

— ensuring soil moisture reserves of agricultural lands, land irrigation;
— creating conditions for safe navigation;
— development of centralized water supply and wastewater disposal systems in settlements;
— water resource protection, maintenance of water bodies in proper condition, and their improvement.

Transboundary Cooperation

The Republic of Belarus is a participant in the World Water Partnership. The established system of joint working bodies of the parties to the agreements allows for coordinated actions in the transboundary water sphere.

It is necessary to further develop and improve such interaction in the sphere of integrated water resources management, including in the following areas: joint monitoring of the quality of transboundary water bodies, exchange of hydrological and hydrochemical information, implementation of water management and water protection measures, prevention of negative impacts of water on the life of the population and economic facilities of coastal areas, coordination of flood control measures and actions in emergency situations, conducting joint consultations and scientific research.

Such approaches have already been discussed within the framework of previous programs and are planned for expansion.

Link to International Goals

The experience of European countries has led to significant achievements in water quality management. The Strategy supports the fulfillment of international obligations, including the Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, and improving water management standards in accordance with the recommendations of international organizations.

The Water Resources Management Strategy until 2040, approved in 2026, becomes a key guideline for the state policy of the Republic of Belarus in the field of water resources. The document combines economic, environmental, and social approaches aimed at sustainable development, adaptation to climate challenges, and ensuring the quality of life for citizens.

The Strategy sets the framework for the development of further programs and regional plans, emphasizing an integrated approach, innovation, and international cooperation.