Deputy Minister of Environment and Water Atanas Kostadinov participated in a discussion forum in Kardzhali on the topic "Water - a human right, a condition for  decent life, and a necessity for economic development", organized by Kardzhali Municipality, as part of the initiatives dedicated to Kardzhali Day on October 21.

During the discussion, Deputy Minister Kostadinov focused on the national water management policy and specifically on the priorities of the Ministry of Environment and Water. Sustainable management of the water sector is a strategic issue of national importance, he emphasized, pointing out the need for continued coordination between institutions, but also the modernization of water infrastructure. Kostadinov emphasized that the water sector in Bulgaria is faced with enormous challenges, mainly related to outdated infrastructure, high losses in the water transmission network, as well as the need for long-term planning, including investments in the sector.

In his speech, Atanas Kostadinov highlighted the difference between the water sector and water industries. He explained that the National Strategy for Management and Development of the Water Sector is the framework for water management, but four other major and key sectoral strategies derive from it - for drinking and domestic water supply, for hydromelioration and irrigation, the energy strategy, and the strategy for harmful impacts of water.

"We are at the final stage of the LIFE instrument. Bulgaria will present the updated national strategy for management of the water sector and the strategy for management of the water supply and sanitation sector. And so, at the end of the year, two key strategic documents will be put on the table amongst the political forces. I believe that those engaged in this strategic topic will form a clear picture of what the updated version of the National Strategy for Management and Development of the Water Sector, until 2037, should look like," emphasized Deputy Minister Kostadinov.

He drew attention to the sharp contrast between available water resources, on the one hand, and the water deficit in individual settlements, on the other, quoting data for the country, which is in its fourth consecutive dry year, according to the National Institute of Meterology and Hydrology classification. Kostadinov pointed out that out of a total of 52 dams that the Ministry of Environment and Water monitors, presently those for drinking water supply are 64% full, for irrigation - under 30% and for energy needs - about 67%. And, thanks to the operational management of water resources, the balance sheet shows that compared to the previous year, we have spent 2 billion cubic meters of water less.

In conclusion, Atanas Kostadinov expressed conviction that despite the enormous challenges in the sector, solutions are available, but only with reasonable and consistent actions in water management.