Strategic Water Management for Sustainable Growth and National Leadership

Speech at Fourth National Water Conference "Water Management for Sustainable Development and National Prosperity”

Keypoints: 

• Strategic Value of Water: Recognize water as vital for life, agriculture, and energy.
• Sustainable Management: Ensure long-term and equitable use of water resources.
• Integration of Knowledge: Combine traditional methods with modern technology.
• National Development: Use water to reduce poverty and boost economic growth.
• Climate Adaptation: Prepare for floods, droughts, and changing climate impacts.
• Regional Cooperation: Foster shared water management with neighboring countries.
• Policy and Legal Framework: Establish clear laws and coordinated policies.
• Cultural and Ethical Responsibility: Promote fairness and ethical water use.
• Capacity Building: Train experts to lead sustainable water management.
• Visionary Planning: Plan water resources for future generations and sustainability.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Honorable members of the Cabinet, Mr. Osmani, esteemed members of the Land and Water Council, respected Mirabs (traditional water managers), members of the Engineering and Architecture Associations of Afghanistan, honorable members of the National Assembly, distinguished professors, and all my brothers and sisters: Peace, mercy, and the blessings of Allah be upon you all!

When Afghanistan’s resources are mentioned, many people immediately think of mines. There is no doubt that mining is a vast natural wealth for Afghanistan; our basic surveys regarding mines suggest they are worth thousands of billions of dollars. However, unfortunately, there are other resources and assets in Afghanistan that may hold a value and price equal to our mines.

The Wealth of Geography and Connectivity

Among these resources that can be transformed into wealth, a primary source is Afghanistan’s geographical location. For three thousand years, our country was the center of civilizations and a major crossroads. The geographical location of our beloved country in the heart of the Asian continent gives us the chance for immense utilization of a permanent and inexhaustible resource. Of course, the transition away from war and violence and the increase in regional cooperation can provide the possibility of real utilization of our geographical location. If our position is managed correctly, the revenue from it will be ten to a hundred times greater than our customs revenues.

Water: The Hidden Treasure

Another very important resource and natural wealth for the people of Afghanistan is water. We remain unaware of the real importance and value of our water and still require extensive work in terms of proper management and regulation. Therefore, holding this conference is very timely, allowing us to prepare a path and a systematic plan. Wisdom is the source of our wealth and water revenue. Afghanistan is a blessed country in this regard; however, we must pay closer attention to soil quality issues.

Environmental Wealth and Tourism

The mountains, valleys, and forests of Afghanistan are considered another important natural wealth. Unfortunately, during the years of war, Afghanistan’s forests suffered significant damage. The reduction of forests is a major cause of increased flooding and the loss of fertile soil. Afghanistan’s natural beauty can be transformed into a major source of tourism and revenue.

Capital vs. Cash: Mobilizing Private Wealth

The money held by Afghans can also be counted among the great assets of our beloved country. There is no doubt that a large part of Afghanistan’s people live in poverty, but some of our wealthy citizens hold billions of dollars that are mostly outside the country. To date, these remain merely "money" and have not been converted into "capital." To reduce and eliminate poverty in the country, transforming the money of wealthy Afghans into active capital must be one of our primary objectives.

Human Capital and Youth

Finally, the greatest and most significant wealth of Afghanistan is its hardworking people, especially the youth. The people of Afghanistan are industrious and possess excellent talent, but a lack of specialization or other factors has led to low productivity in our labor.

If we combine and correctly utilize these important resources—our hardworking people, geographical location, water, soil, minerals, existing money, and natural beauty—we can, in a short time, emerge from poverty and destitution compared to many other countries in the world. If we look at these resources in proportion to our population, we can say with confidence that our chances of success in fighting poverty are greater than, for example, Pakistan, India, or even China. The correct and just use of resources leads to the strengthening of national unity and stability; conversely, incorrect use can become a factor for corruption, division, and instability.

Through the proper management of its vast resources, Afghanistan can transform into a country of medium-level prosperity and welfare within a twenty-year period. We must reach this goal and stand on our own feet because continuous reliance on foreign aid is a mistake. Emerging from dependency on others must be our fundamental goal and objective.

Water in Faith and Science

Distinguished attendees! Water is of vital importance. As the Holy Quran has linked the phenomenon of life to water, stating in the 30th verse of Surah Al-Anbiya: "And We made every living thing from water," science also reveals new dimensions of water's role in the lives of people every day. We all know its role; we know well that "water is our honor," and protecting our honor is a national goal. However, water as a vast wealth that drives the engine of a nation's life has even more dimensions.

Three Pillars of Water Economy

First, water plays a key role in agriculture, especially for a country where 80% of the people's lives still depend on agriculture. Yet, unfortunately, we are one of the main importers of agricultural goods. This is our national shame, and this shame must end. Afghanistan must become an exporter of agricultural products, not an importer. We have the capacity to become an exporter of agricultural goods.

Second, in the industrial sector—from construction to other industries—water is a major element. Its shortage can cause this sector to undergo upheaval or collapse.

Third, water is a source of energy production. Correct management can reduce our need for energy imports and even lead us to the threshold of self-sufficiency and energy export.

Regional Cooperation and Legal Frameworks

Beyond these, water is an important factor for regional cooperation. By drafting legal frameworks and contracts based on mutual and multilateral benefits, we can provide the ground for better utilization of water resources so that both upstream and downstream countries benefit properly. Based on this, the cooperation necessary between neighbors can be developed.

Historical experience in our culture and civilization regarding the correct use of water resources—especially the Sharia laws for water distribution—offers instructive points. I specifically express my gratitude for the presence of the Mirabs. You Mirabs managed water justly for centuries; relying on your experience has today become an international norm. Water management associations are something we had centuries and millennia ago. Mr. Minister and colleagues! For this reason, modern engineering knowledge must be integrated with our vast cultural knowledge.

The Challenge of Population and Climate Change

Distinguished audience, dear compatriots! As noted, water is a vast wealth of Afghanistan and a great favor from Allah. However, if any natural blessing is not used correctly, problems arise. At the beginning of the 20th century, Afghanistan’s population was estimated at five million; now we have at least six times that. On the other hand, climatic changes have occurred, negatively impacting water regulation.

Look at just one calculation: water that was abundant for five million requires a decision for thirty million. As the Minister mentioned earlier, the state and the nation must reach a fundamental result and a clear policy on water distribution and resource allocation. Every cement factory we build—and building them is necessary—requires abundant water. Therefore, consolidating these water-related issues cannot be limited to one sector. Water is one of our national necessities, and all cross-sectoral departments must reach a clear conclusion to prevent ambiguity and conflict. National interest demands that water be used justly across different sectors, considering the "sustainable use" which is the sixth goal.

Justice in Traditional and Modern Systems

Due to climate change, both floods and droughts have increased. Furthermore, because of insecurity and war, the old culture of water distribution—which had national and Islamic foundations and where justice was the principle—has been damaged. Today, one of the major issues I hope the Mirabs discuss with you is the lack of justice in water distribution. Our traditional system, which was extremely just, is unfortunately facing major risks. I hope this conference leads to a fundamental discussion on reviving the just water distribution system based on our Sharia—which we can claim forms the basis of water distribution worldwide.

In our national and Islamic culture, great attention was paid to the just distribution of water between "upstream" (Sar-ab) and "downstream" (Payan-ab). Unfortunately, we now see many examples where upstream crops suffer from excessive water while downstream crops dry up due to water scarcity. This situation requires scientific and strong water management. Mr. Ramin is here; he can tell you in detail about the situation in Baghlan—how those upstream plant rice while those downstream cannot even plant wheat. This requires a just distribution.

Systematic Management of River Basins

Large-scale management of the country's waters and their correct use with a long-term view requires a review of our analytical methods. This is not achieved by focusing only on the physical volume of water at this or that source; it requires focusing on every river basin as a natural system. These are interconnected networks of natural resources and part of a larger regional ecosystem. If we deal with this unscientifically, it can damage the entire system and cause irreparable environmental disasters. This is why water basin management has been strengthened in this year's budget; it is a clear necessity for us to manage each river basin as a complete system in the coming years. The depletion of underground aquifers and the reduction of permanent groundwater leads to the destruction of forests and plants, destroying the green environment. This results in either drought or rains that only cause devastating floods.

The Crisis of Underground Water and Deep Wells

Colleagues in the Water and Land Council! Digging deep wells without considering groundwater levels is a national risk. We must fundamentally understand our groundwater as a sustainable asset. We must specifically learn from our past canal distribution systems and our "Qanats" (Karez). There was at least a distance of two to three kilometers between Qanats; this system ensured that water was used sustainably.

Mr. Minister and colleagues! The necessity is to share our experience of sustainable use with the world. Our systems of Qanats and Karezes were among the best ways for sustainable water use, which are unfortunately at risk today. Just look at the Karezes of Char Asiab, Chardehi, or Zabul. It is very clear that we must revive the great asset we held both in terms of cultural management and Sharia rulings, reordering our new goals based on the great lessons of the Holy Quran and Sharia principles.

For this reason, every river basin must be studied as a separate unit of analysis. Simultaneously, appropriate regulations and policies must be drafted for their use to positively impact people's livelihoods while helping preserve the environment. The reality is that our current structures do not meet our needs or conditions. They were designed for past conditions when the population was five million. Now, with a population six times larger, requirements have grown proportionally, and unfortunately, our natural resources suffered serious damage during the war years, with climate change being one of the results.

Reassuring Neighbors and International Norms

It is necessary for everyone to be assured that the development of Afghanistan’s waters is in the interest of our people and the region. Our guiding principles are the interests of the people, saving people from poverty, and international laws related to water. Therefore, our expectation from neighbors is that they should not be concerned about the creation of dams and water networks; rather, they should support them. Proper use of water is only possible when waters become "predictable." Water cannot be distributed until it exists in dams and networks. We cannot manage floodwater; only harnessed water can be managed. By using scientific methods, we can save permanent groundwater from the risk of depletion, harness floods, and meet other needs. If scientific methods are applied, one can achieve much with little water.

Over the past two and a half years, we have laid the foundations for improvement. However, it is clear that if we want to look at the issue with a very large vision to consider the needs of future generations and ensure regional stability, we must—in addition to laws and policies—provide the grounds for regional cooperation to find lasting solutions to water scarcity.

The Moral Duty of Water Conservation

Water is the source of life, the means of agriculture and sustenance, and the tool for purity and hygiene. It would be a great injustice if we were careless with this great blessing of Allah, consume it wastefully, or neglect its purity. Those who leave the tap running after use, those who throw filth into clean water, or those who steal the water rights of someone else’s field are not acting with justice; they are committing an injustice against themselves and society.

The media, religious scholars (Ulema), Mullahs, the Ministry of Education, writers, and social reformers must participate in strengthening the culture of correct and just water use. This is not the work of the Ministry of Energy and Water alone; it is not just the duty of the state. It is the work of the entire nation and all sectors. All must join hands.

We must act so that the value of water is redefined. Not only must waste and unnecessary consumption be prevented, but the culture of better use must be so generalized that it is evident in the daily life of every individual. Culture and law together can draw a new path in this field for our society.

I hope for the success of your conference. Your constructive views will be carefully reviewed in the High Council of Water and Land and in the Cabinet.

Long live Afghanistan!