Optimal Allocation and Integrated Dispatch of Regional Water Resources in Yunnan Province — Problems and Countermeasures

Abstract Amid rapid economic growth, the contradiction between water resources carrying capacity and distribution of productive forces have escalated, indicating the increasing barriers that water shortage and pollution have posed to sustainable development of the economy and society. China has currently entered an age of “new normal” in economic progress, during which constraints are imposed on resources and environment, ecological products become more indispensable, while infrastructure connectivity, and mechanism innovation appear more essential. Therefore, it remains important to dive into how to proactively implement the water management policy of the new era. The policy advocates overall planning and integrated management, requiring relevant agencies to comprehensively enhance the security of water availability and scientific management capabilities to resolve prominent problems of systematic management and coordination between the market and government under the premise of prioritizing water conservation and promoting spatial water balance. This paper conducted a preliminary analysis of problems about water resources allocation and dispatch management in some key areas of Yunnan Province and raised targeted suggestions including innovation in management mechanisms and approaches, and promotion of integrated management and scientific dispatch of water resources. The purpose is to provide some references for Yunnan about its integrated allocation and dispatch management of water resources in key areas and the network of major water supply projects.